Definition of determinenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb determine differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of determine are decide, resolve, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

When is it sensible to use decide instead of determine?

The words decide and determine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When might resolve be a better fit than determine?

The synonyms resolve and determine are sometimes interchangeable, but resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

he resolved to quit smoking

When would rule be a good substitute for determine?

The meanings of rule and determine largely overlap; however, rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When can settle be used instead of determine?

Although the words settle and determine have much in common, settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of determine Locations for Stonegate and a potential new pool will be determined by feasibility studies at later dates. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026 All four astronauts have been studying the moon extensively in their mission preparation, of course, but the precise launch date and time determined the specific features each would target during their all-too-fleeting close encounter, making this review time a necessity. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2026 Now, researchers plan to extend their investigations to nearby early settlement sites to determine if Culasawani is a midden or muddle. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026 There are two massive games at Lucas Oil Stadium tonight, which will determine who plays for the national title on Monday. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for determine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for determine
Verb
  • This information helps the military decide whether a rescue is immediately feasible, what methods should be used, and which aircraft to send to rescue the crew.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • As first impressions go, this was the equivalent of forgetting a date’s name, checking the phone while ordering, and deciding to talk religion and politics over dessert.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Then came choosing the second pick, and so on.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Virgo August 23 – September 22 When your identity wrestles with the group’s expectations, choose depth.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Most of the trouble on this night came from starter Ryan Johnson’s inability to find the strike zone and the defense’s problems converting two plays that should have been made.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The Will County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Monday that more remains have been found in the same location where the bones of a missing man were discovered last week.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At the time, Harold's autopsy concluded his death was caused by multiple, serious cardiac issues including pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac around the heart.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • With roster movement already underway and a top-25 recruiting class incoming, the season that just concluded serves as a foundation rather than a finished product.
    Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The impossibility of his quest began to settle in.
    Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Southlake megachurch and its attorneys want to use someone from the American Arbitration Association or a district judge to settle the matter.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Listeners have been trying to figure that out.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • As the frantic final seconds unfolded, Huskies coach Dan Hurley figured a timeout would do little good.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Come bake and learn with us—ask questions, share pics, listen to our podcast, and lots more here.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The head coach enjoys learning about the experiences of journeyman backups.
    Mike Kaye April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Asking the engineers to stop designing a firing squad chamber for the state of Idaho to execute death-row prisoners.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The Yankees went a perfect 5-for-5 with ABS challenges in Monday’s 2-1 walk-off loss to the Mariners, but that didn’t stop Boone and company from barking at home plate umpire Mike Estabrook.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Determine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/determine. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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