determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of determined
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
di-ˈtər-mənd-nəs How to pronounce determined (audio)
dē-
noun

Synonyms of determined

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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.
Meanwhile, the Philippines keeps showing the world how a determined state can fight and win on the legal battlefield. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 Having spent decades watching powerful men evade justice, Nora is doubly determined to bring this one down, and regards Catherine’s vigilantism as an obstacle to a larger victory. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 So when the July 22 season premiere kicked off this year, Affleck was determined to make his mark with Ding. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 July 2026 As most of the synagogue is rebuilt with a memorial and antisemitism exhibits, new families and alliances with other shooting survivors signal a determined, hopeful future for Tree of Life. — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 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

Phrases Containing determined

Rhymes for determined

See All Rhymes for determined

Browse Nearby Words

determine
determined
determiner
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Cite this Entry

“Determined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determined. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of determined for Spanish Speakers

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