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Definitions

determine

[dih-tur-min] / dɪˈtɜr mɪn /
VERB
conclude, decide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
complete regulate resolve rule
STRONG
actuate arbitrate cinch clinch dispose drive end figure finish halt impel incline induce move opt ordain persuade predispose settle tap terminate
WEAK
call the shots fix upon nail down pin down take a decision ultimate wind up wrap up
Antonyms
STRONG
bear begin commence create discourage dissuade hinder initiate prevent repress start stop suppress
WEAK
doubt hesitate miss overlook waver
VERB
discover, find out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ascertain check demonstrate detect establish figure out learn see tell verify work out
STRONG
certify divine figure hear tumble unearth
WEAK
add up to boil down to catch on have a hunch make out size up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
confuse disprove invalidate miss overlook
WEAK
begin doubt hesitate start waver
VERB
choose, decide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
elect establish fix resolve
STRONG
destine doom fate finger foreordain predestine predetermine preform preordain purpose settle
WEAK
make up mind
Antonyms
STRONGEST
destroy ignore unsettle
WEAK
begin doubt hesitate miss overlook start waver
VERB
dictate, govern, regulate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect control decide impose influence limit measure rule shape
STRONG
bound circumscribe command condition delimit devise direct impel incline induce invent lead manage modify plot
WEAK
mark off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
let go
STRONG
follow mismanage neglect
WEAK
begin doubt hesitate miss overlook start waver

Usage

What are other ways to say determine?

To determine is to arrive at a conclusion after reasoning or observation: He determined that there was no available path to victory. To resolve is to show firmness of purpose: He resolved to ask for a promotion. To decide is to make up one's mind as to what shall be done and the way to do it: He decided to go today.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because all known Liaoningosaurus fossils are similar in size, body length alone could not determine whether they were adults or juveniles.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

While ChatGPT is not considered a person, Uthmeier said his office needs to determine "criminal culpability" for the company behind the bot, OpenAI.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

She explains how, with healthcare at full stretch, doctors’ predictions often determine who will receive treatment and who won’t, with life or death consequences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

"The condition of her remains delayed the medical examiner's ability to be able to determine cause of death," Los Angeles police chief Jim McDonnell told the press conference.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

His biggest positions were with Goldman, and Goldman was newly unable, or unwilling, to determine the value of those positions, and so could not say how much collateral should be shifted back and forth.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing determine

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Vocabulary of the Common Core

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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