de·ci·sion
di-ˈsi-zhən 
1
a
: the act or process of deciding
the moment of decision has come
b
: a determination arrived at after consideration : conclusion
made the decision to attend graduate school
c
: a judicial determination made after consideration of the facts or law of a case
a Supreme Court decision
2
: a written report of a determination or conclusion
a 5-page decision
read the court's decision
3
: promptness and firmness in deciding : determination
acting with decision
4
a
: win
specifically, combat sports
: a victory based on points awarded
Former heavyweight champion kickboxer Sterling (Cash) McCallum took a unanimous decision over Cesar Rendon in an eight-round standard bout in Phoenix … —
New York Times
New York Times
b
baseball
: a win or loss officially credited to a pitcher
has five wins in eight decisions
decisioned; decisioning; decisions
combat sports
: to win by being awarded more points than (an opponent)
… he hasn't won an important fight since he decisioned Duran on Jan. 30, 1982.—William Nack
William NackExamples of decision in a Sentence
Noun
She announced her decision to go to medical school.
Have you made a decision?
He based his decision on facts, not emotions.
She made a conscious decision to leave the painting unfinished.
We need someone who will act with decision even under pressure.
The U.S. Supreme Court's 1954 decision brought an end to racial segregation in public schools.
Recent Examples on the Web
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
The United States Powered Paragliding Association and Experimental Aircraft Association have written letters supporting the ultralight pilots in their fight against the county airport, as cited in the documents under review for the FAA’s upcoming decision.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Questions — and hopefully lessons Backcountry around the world are waiting for officials to release more information about what decisions Blackbird’s guides made leading into the tragedy.
—Sacbee.com, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decision
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Noun
The union is also pushing for more flexibility in school-level decision-making and clearer guidelines around work hours and compensation for extended duties.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
The United States Powered Paragliding Association and Experimental Aircraft Association have written letters supporting the ultralight pilots in their fight against the county airport, as cited in the documents under review for the FAA’s upcoming decision.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
Prior research has shown that cognitive decline in elderly people can affect their situational awareness as well as delay decision their making, while reduced dexterity in these populations can become worse in high-stress situations, such as a plane fire.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Questions — and hopefully lessons Backcountry around the world are waiting for officials to release more information about what decisions Blackbird’s guides made leading into the tragedy.
—Sacbee.com, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decision
Cite this Entry
“Decision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decision. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
decision
noun
de·ci·sion
di-ˈsi-zhən
: an authoritative determination (as a decree or judgment) made after consideration of facts or law
also
: a report or document containing such a determination see also memorandum decision compare disposition, finding, holding, judgment, opinion, ruling, verdict
Note: A decision, while being an authoritative determination of a disputed issue, does not have to be a final determination closing the case. Some interlocutory decisions may be appealed.
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