predetermine
verb
pre·de·ter·mine
ˌprē-di-ˈtər-mən 
predetermined; predetermining; predetermines
1
a
b
: to determine beforehand
2
: to impose a direction or tendency on beforehand
Examples of predetermine in a Sentence
The sex of the child is predetermined when the egg is fertilized.
religious sects that believe that an individual's salvation has been predetermined by God
Recent Examples on the Web
Craig Atkinson, the firm’s director in charge of the project, said that history informs but does not predetermine their approach.
—
Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
According to Le Figaro, at an unrelated hearing, a judge who served on Ted Maher's case had claimed Ted's sentence had been predetermined before the trial even began.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Who needs input when the outcome is predetermined?
—Jon Harris Maurer, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
While local leaders attempted to assure the public that result of the study wouldn’t be predetermined, longtime Land Park resident Luree Stetson wasn’t reassured.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predetermine
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Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
According to Le Figaro, at an unrelated hearing, a judge who served on Ted Maher's case had claimed Ted's sentence had been predetermined before the trial even began.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Who needs input when the outcome is predetermined?
—Jon Harris Maurer, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
While local leaders attempted to assure the public that result of the study wouldn’t be predetermined, longtime Land Park resident Luree Stetson wasn’t reassured.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predetermine
Cite this Entry
“Predetermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predetermine. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predetermine
verb
pre·de·ter·mine
ˌprēd-i-ˈtər-mən
1
2
: to decide or settle beforehand
meet at a predetermined place
predetermination
noun
-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
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