decision-maker

noun

de·​ci·​sion-mak·​er di-ˈsi-zhən-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce decision-maker (audio)
variants or less commonly decision maker
plural decision-makers also decision makers
: someone who is known or primarily responsible for making decisions
a good decision-maker
one of the company's key/top decision makers
However, this does not permit corrections personnel or a warden to automatically assume the role of the patient's medical decision-maker.—Erik Larsen and Katherine Drabiak

Examples of decision-maker in a Sentence

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.
Just as every ship needs a captain, every decision needs a decision-maker. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 IMDbPro is currently built around an industry database, providing information about publicists, managers and other decision-makers, as well as services for actors and other creatives seeking to break through in the entertainment business. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 Their leaders appeared to disregard reports that Iranian decision-makers had called on them, in July 2026, to close the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb to maritime traffic. — Laurent Bonnefoy, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 The report surveyed senior decision-makers at 122 suppliers across major Asian manufacturing hubs, including Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Vietnam. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decision-maker

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decision-maker was in 1887

Rhymes for decision-maker

See All Rhymes for decision-maker

Browse Nearby Words

decisionism
decision-maker
decision-making
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decision-maker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decision-maker. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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