DECISIVENESS Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

decisiveness

noun

Definition of decisiveness

as in determination

firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose moved with speed and decisiveness in investigating the charges of the use of excessive force by the police

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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 decisiveness Black got the start and ran for 33 yards on eight carries, showing the decisiveness and explosiveness the 49ers liked about him during his time helping Indiana win a national championship last season. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 At times, Arsenal have lacked the decisiveness to move players on, even when the timing is uncomfortable. — Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Leaders often face dangerous blind spots, not from incompetence, but from strengths like confidence and decisiveness becoming liabilities. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Legal experts say the speed and decisiveness of the Department of Justice’s proposed antitrust settlement with OhioHealth should put other hospitals on notice. — Tara Bannow, STAT, 17 June 2026 The final was 4-0, which undersold its decisiveness. — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 12 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisiveness

Noun

The conference said its rule would apply independently of the status of NCAA eligibility determinations.

— Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
In his ruling Gayles rejected the government’s argument that Vorbe could be held in mandatory detention without a bond hearing simply because of Rubio’s determination in a letter.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of determination

Noun

His periodic fireside chats were broadcast on the radio and captivated the nation with their warmth, clarity and resolve.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Ukraine, for its part, has pursued long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and logistics hubs, seeking to raise the cost of the war for Moscow and test President Vladimir Putin's resolve after more than four-and-a-half years of conflict.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of resolve

Noun

Now, after more than 15 years in professional baseball, Berti is choosing to close the book on a career defined by persistence.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The persistence of the nature gap The legacy of this history is heavily reflected in modern statistics.

— Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of persistence

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decisively

decisiveness

deck

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“Decisiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decisiveness. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of decisiveness

noun

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