Decision — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /di-ˈsi-zhən/ de·ci·sion

Meaning & Definition of Decision

Decision (noun)

  1. the act or process of deciding
  2. a determination arrived at after consideration, conclusion
  3. a judicial determination made after consideration of the facts or law of a case

Decision (verb)

  1. to win by being awarded more points than (an opponent)

Decision (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a position arrived at after consideration

    "after much deliberation, we made a decision about what to have on our pizza"

    similar: award, call, conclusion, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict
    related: behest, charge, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, instruction, mandate, order, word, last word, say-so, adjudication, disposition, doom, finding, ruling, sentence, choice, option, selection, consensus, belief, conviction, eye, feeling, mind, notion, persuasion, sentiment, view
    near: deadlock, draw, halt, stalemate, standoff, tie

  2. firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose

    "acted with swift decision"

    similar: decidedness, decisiveness, determination, determinedness, firmness, granite, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, stick-to-itiveness
    related: doggedness, obduracy, obdurateness, obstinacy, obstinateness, perseverance, persistence, persistency, stubbornness, tenaciousness, tenacity, certainty, certitude, confidence, sureness, alacrity, eagerness, gameness, readiness, backbone, fortitude, grit, iron, pluck, sand
    opposite: hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation
    near: doubt, incertitude, indetermination, uncertainty, aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Decision

The most common words with a similar meaning to Decision:

award, call, conclusion, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict, decidedness, decisiveness, determinedness, firmness, granite, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolve, stick-to-itiveness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Decision

Words with the opposite meaning of Decision:

hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation

Related Words for Decision

behest, charge, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, instruction, mandate, order, word, last word, say-so, adjudication, disposition, doom, finding, ruling, sentence, choice, option, selection, consensus, belief, conviction, eye, feeling, mind, notion, persuasion

Near Antonyms of Decision

deadlock, draw, halt, stalemate, standoff, tie, doubt, incertitude, indetermination, uncertainty, aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness

Word Forms of Decision

Inflections: decisioned, decisioning, decisions

Derived words: decisional (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Decision

Middle English decisioun, borrowed from Anglo-French decision "judgment" (Middle French also "act of deciding, coming to a definitive conclusion"), borrowed from Latin dēcīsiōn-, dēcīsio "curtailment, diminishment, settlement, agreement," from dēcīdere "to cut off, cut out, mark by cutting, settle, choose as a course of action" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action decide

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Decision

Words & Phrases Containing Decision

decision-maker, decision theory, decision tree, decision-making, split decision, hand down a decision, informed decision, overturn the decision

Frequently Asked Questions about Decision

What does "Decision" mean?

"Decision" means the act or process of deciding. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the act or process of deciding. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Decision"?

Other words for "Decision" include award, call, conclusion, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment and opinion. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Decision" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Decision"?

There are 76 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Decision". Common alternatives include award, call, conclusion, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution and verdict.

What is the opposite of "Decision"?

Antonyms of "Decision" include hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution and vacillation. Near antonyms include deadlock, draw, halt and stalemate.

How do you use "Decision" in a sentence?

Examples of "Decision" in a sentence: "after much deliberation, we made a decision about what to have on our pizza"; "acted with swift decision".

Is "Decision" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Decision" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Decision" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Decision" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Decision"?

"Decision" is pronounced /di-ˈsi-zhən/ and divided into syllables as de·ci·sion.