determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of determinednext
1
: having reached a decision : firmly resolved
was determined to become a pilot
is determined not to let it happen again
2
a
: showing determination
a determined effort
b
: characterized by determination
… will deter all but the most determined thief.Security World
determinedly
di-ˈtər-mənd-lē How to pronounce determined (audio)
-mə-nəd-lē
dē-
adverb
determinedness noun

Examples of determined in a Sentence

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes. his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Juan Daniel García Treviño anchors the film as Liborio, a newcomer navigating a punishing New York that seems determined to break him. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 But soccer turned out to be the best fit for her open, quiet and determined personality. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026 But Zelniker was determined to avoid reducing the issue to a distant or localized problem. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026 The most determined opposition to Trump’s defilement of the Kennedy Center has come from Representative Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat who is an ex-officio board member of the complex. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for determined

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of determined was circa 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Determined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determined. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

determined

adjective
de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
1
: having reached a decision : firmly resolved
determined to be a pilot
2
: not weak or uncertain
a very determined opponent
determinedly
-mən-dlē How to pronounce determined (audio)
-mə-nəd-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on determined

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