Top 45 Slang For Decide – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to making choices, sometimes the English language just doesn’t cut it. That’s where slang for “decide” comes in. Whether you’re trying to sound hip or simply want to add some spice to your conversations, we’ve got you covered. From “call the shots” to “flip a coin,” our team has rounded up the most popular and creative slang terms for making decisions. Get ready to up your language game and make choosing a whole lot more fun!

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1. Choose

To choose means to make a decision or select from a range of options. It implies a deliberate action of picking one option over others.

For example, “I had to choose between the red or blue dress for the party.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “Let’s choose a leader for our project.”
A person deciding on a restaurant might ask, “Where should we choose to have dinner tonight?”

2. Pick

To pick means to choose or select something from a group or range of options. It often implies a more casual or spontaneous decision-making process.

For instance, “I’ll pick the blueberry muffin for breakfast.”
A person might say, “I can’t decide which movie to watch, so you pick.”
In a clothing store, a customer might ask, “Can you help me pick out a new outfit?”

3. Opt

To opt means to choose or decide on a particular course of action or choice. It often implies a preference or a deliberate decision.

For example, “I opted for the healthier salad instead of the burger.”
In a survey, a respondent might say, “I would opt for option B.”
A person discussing career choices might say, “I opted to pursue a degree in engineering.”

4. Determine

To determine means to decide or ascertain something through careful consideration or investigation. It implies reaching a conclusion or making a judgment based on available information.

For instance, “The judge will determine the outcome of the trial.”
In a scientific experiment, a researcher might say, “We need to determine the cause of this phenomenon.”
A person contemplating their future might say, “I need to determine my career path.”

5. Settle

To settle means to make a final decision or resolve a matter. It implies reaching a conclusion or agreement after considering different options or opinions.

For example, “Let’s settle on pizza for dinner.”
In a negotiation, someone might say, “We need to settle on a price.”
A person discussing a dispute might say, “We finally settled our differences and reached a compromise.”

6. Resolve

To resolve means to make a firm decision or come to a definite conclusion about something.

For example, “After much consideration, I resolved to quit my job and pursue my passion.”
In a debate, someone might say, “Let’s resolve this issue once and for all.”
A person facing a difficult choice might say, “I need to resolve this dilemma before I can move forward.”

7. Make up one’s mind

To make up one’s mind means to choose or decide on something after careful consideration.

For instance, “She couldn’t decide which dress to wear, but finally made up her mind and chose the red one.”
A person might say, “I’ve made up my mind, and I’m going to take that job offer.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “We need to make up our minds about the venue for the party.”

8. Set one’s sights on

To set one’s sights on means to determine or decide to achieve something, typically a goal or target.

For example, “She has set her sights on becoming a professional athlete.”
A person might say, “I’ve set my sights on getting a promotion this year.”
In a conversation about future plans, someone might say, “I’ve set my sights on traveling the world.”

9. Elect

To elect means to choose or decide by vote, typically in a formal or official capacity.

For instance, “The citizens elected him as their new mayor.”
In a political context, someone might say, “It’s important to elect leaders who will represent our values.”
A person discussing a school election might say, “I’m running for class president. I hope you’ll elect me!”

10. Make a call

To make a call means to make a decision or judgment about something.

For example, “It’s a tough situation, but someone has to make the call.”
In a sports game, a referee might make a call on a close play.
A person facing a difficult choice might say, “I need to make a call on this matter before it’s too late.”

11. Set one’s heart on

This phrase is used to express a strong desire or determination to achieve something.

For example, “She has set her heart on studying abroad next year.”
Another example, “He set his heart on buying that new car, no matter the cost.”
Someone might say, “I’ve set my heart on becoming a professional athlete, and I won’t give up until I achieve that goal.”

12. Figure out

This phrase is used to describe the process of understanding or solving a problem or mystery.

For instance, “I need to figure out how to fix my computer.”
Another example, “They spent hours trying to figure out the answer to the riddle.”
Someone might say, “I can’t figure out why the car won’t start. It was working fine yesterday.”

13. Opt for

This phrase is used to indicate a choice or preference for a particular option.

For example, “I think I’ll opt for the vegetarian option on the menu.”
Another example, “She opted for the red dress instead of the blue one.”
Someone might say, “I always opt for public transportation instead of driving to work.”

14. Take a stand

This phrase is used to describe the act of making a clear and definitive decision or taking a firm stance on a particular issue.

For instance, “It’s time to take a stand against injustice and inequality.”
Another example, “He took a stand and refused to compromise his principles.”
Someone might say, “I’m taking a stand and speaking up for what I believe in.”

15. Declare

This word is used to describe the act of making a formal statement or announcement about a decision or opinion.

For example, “The president declared his support for the new policy.”
Another example, “She declared her intention to run for office.”
Someone might say, “I declare that I will never give up on my dreams.”

16. Resolve oneself

To make a firm decision or come to a definite conclusion about something. This phrase emphasizes the determination and conviction behind the decision.

For example, “After much consideration, I resolved myself to quit my job and pursue my passion.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “I’ve resolved myself to be more confident and assertive.”
A person reflecting on their past might say, “Looking back, I resolved myself to never make the same mistakes again.”

17. Commit

To make a firm decision or pledge to do something. This term emphasizes the dedication and responsibility associated with the decision.

For instance, “I’ve decided to commit to a healthier lifestyle and exercise regularly.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “I’m ready to commit to a long-term partnership.”
A person discussing their career might say, “I’ve committed to advancing my skills and pursuing new opportunities.”

18. Conclude

To reach a final decision or judgment about something. This term emphasizes the process of reaching a decision based on available information or evidence.

For example, “After careful analysis, we concluded that the best course of action was to invest in new technology.”
In a debate or argument, someone might say, “Let’s hear all the evidence before we conclude.”
A person reflecting on a difficult situation might say, “I finally concluded that it was time to move on and start fresh.”

19. Judge

To form an opinion or make a decision about something or someone. This term often implies a critical evaluation or assessment of the subject.

For instance, “Don’t judge a book by its cover. Give it a chance before forming an opinion.”
In a discussion about talent shows, someone might say, “The judges have a tough job deciding who moves on to the next round.”
A person reflecting on their own behavior might say, “I judged myself too harshly and need to practice self-compassion.”

20. Rule

To make a final decision or judgment as an authority figure or person in charge. This term often implies a sense of authority and power in making the decision.

For example, “The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff and awarded them compensation.”
In a discussion about a game or sport, someone might say, “The referee’s ruling was controversial and sparked a lot of debate.”
A person reflecting on their own decision-making might say, “I need to trust my instincts and rule with confidence.”

21. Call the shots

To have the authority or power to make decisions or give orders. This phrase is often used in a leadership or decision-making context.

For example, a manager might say, “As the team leader, I call the shots around here.”
In a group project, someone might ask, “Who’s going to call the shots and make the final decisions?”
A parent might assert, “In this house, I call the shots and set the rules.”

22. Make a choice

To select one option from a set of alternatives. This phrase is straightforward and simply means to make a decision.

For instance, a person might say, “I need to make a choice between two job offers.”
In a restaurant, a customer might ask, “Can you give me a few minutes to make a choice from the menu?”
A friend might advise, “Take your time and think carefully before making a choice.”

23. Opt out

To decide not to be involved in something or to choose not to participate in a particular activity or situation.

For example, a person might say, “I’m going to opt out of the company’s team-building event.”
In a group project, someone might announce, “If anyone wants to opt out, please let us know.”
A student might decide to opt out of a school trip due to personal reasons.

24. Make a determination

To come to a conclusion or make a decision after careful consideration or evaluation.

For instance, a judge might say, “After reviewing the evidence, I have made a determination.”
In a legal dispute, a lawyer might argue, “It is up to the jury to make a determination based on the facts presented.”
A person might reflect, “I need to make a determination about my future career path.”

25. Make a verdict

To reach a decision or judgment, especially in a legal context. A verdict is typically associated with a formal decision made by a judge or jury.

For example, a judge might announce, “The jury has made a verdict of guilty.”
In a court case, a lawyer might state, “We are confident the jury will make a fair verdict.”
A news article might report, “The jury deliberated for hours before reaching a verdict.”

26. Settle on

To make a decision or choice after considering various options or possibilities.

For example, “After much deliberation, we finally settled on a vacation destination.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “Let’s settle on a time and place for our next meeting.”
A person might advise, “If you’re unsure about which option to choose, take your time to settle on the best one.”

27. Nail down

To firmly establish or determine something.

For instance, “We need to nail down the details of the project before moving forward.”
In a negotiation, someone might say, “We need to nail down the terms of the agreement.”
A person might suggest, “Let’s nail down a date for the event so we can start planning.”

28. Fix on

To make a firm decision or choice.

For example, “I finally fixed on a career path after much contemplation.”
In a shopping scenario, someone might say, “I couldn’t decide between the red or blue dress, but I fixed on the blue.”
A person might advise, “If you’re struggling to make a decision, take some time to fix on the option that aligns with your goals and values.”

29. Reach a verdict

To arrive at a final decision or judgment, especially in a legal context.

For instance, “The jury reached a verdict after hours of deliberation.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “We need to have an open dialogue to reach a verdict on this issue.”
A person might argue, “It’s important to consider all the evidence before reaching a verdict.”

30. Make a judgment

To form an opinion or make an assessment based on available information or personal beliefs.

For example, “I had to make a judgment about which candidate to vote for in the election.”
In a debate, someone might say, “It’s important to listen to all sides before making a judgment.”
A person might caution, “Be careful not to make a judgment without considering all the facts.”

31. Make a selection

To choose or pick something from a group of options. “Make a selection” is a formal way of saying “decide” or “pick”.

For example, “I need to make a selection from the menu.”
A customer might ask a salesperson, “Can you help me make a selection?”
In a sports draft, a team might say, “We have to make a selection with our first-round pick.”

32. Make a resolution

To make a firm decision or commitment to do something. “Make a resolution” often refers to setting goals or making positive changes in one’s life.

For instance, “I’m going to make a resolution to exercise more in the new year.”
A person might say, “I resolve to quit smoking.”
In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “Making resolutions can be a powerful way to make positive changes in your life.”

33. Make a commitment

To make a promise or pledge to do something. “Make a commitment” often refers to making a serious decision or promise to follow through on something.

For example, “I’m going to make a commitment to finish this project on time.”
A person might say, “I’m committed to staying in shape and eating healthy.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “It’s important to make a commitment to communicate openly and honestly.”

34. Make a conclusion

To come to a decision or judgment after considering all the information. “Make a conclusion” refers to reaching a final decision or opinion.

For instance, “After weighing all the evidence, I’ve made a conclusion.”
A person might say, “Based on the data, we can conclude that the experiment was successful.”
In a debate, someone might say, “Let’s hear the closing arguments before we make a conclusion.”

35. Make a preference

To have a particular liking or inclination towards something. “Make a preference” refers to expressing a choice or favoring one option over another.

For example, “I’ll make a preference for the chocolate ice cream.”
A person might say, “I prefer to work in a quiet environment.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “Let’s make our preferences known before we make a decision.”

36. Make a settlement

To make a firm decision or reach an agreement on a particular matter. This phrase often implies that all parties involved have come to a mutual understanding or resolution.

For example, in a negotiation, two parties might make a settlement on the terms of a contract.
In a dispute, a mediator might help the involved parties make a settlement to avoid going to court.
A group of friends might make a settlement on where to go for dinner by taking a vote.

37. Take a call

To make a decision or come to a conclusion about something. This phrase is often used when someone is faced with a choice or needs to make a judgment.

For instance, a manager might take a call on which candidate to hire for a job position.
In a game, a player might take a call on whether to pass the ball or take a shot.
A person might take a call on whether to accept a job offer or continue searching for other opportunities.

38. Settle upon

To choose or decide on something after considering different options or possibilities. This phrase implies that a person has made a final decision and is no longer considering other alternatives.

For example, a couple might settle upon a wedding venue after visiting multiple locations.
A person shopping for a new car might settle upon a specific make and model after test driving different options.
A student might settle upon a research topic for a project after exploring various subjects.

39. Set one’s mind on

To firmly decide or determine to do something. This phrase suggests that a person has made up their mind and is committed to a particular course of action.

For instance, a student might set their mind on getting an A in a difficult class and work hard to achieve that goal.
A person planning a trip might set their mind on visiting a specific destination and make all necessary arrangements.
Someone looking to change careers might set their mind on pursuing a new field and take steps to acquire the necessary skills or education.

40. Come to a conclusion

To reach a decision or form an opinion after considering all the available information or evidence. This phrase indicates that a person or group has deliberated on a matter and arrived at a final judgment or resolution.

For example, a jury might come to a conclusion after hearing all the testimony and evidence in a trial.
A group of friends discussing vacation plans might come to a conclusion on the destination based on everyone’s preferences and budget.
A researcher conducting an experiment might come to a conclusion about the results after analyzing the data.

41. Set one’s course

This phrase is often used metaphorically to mean making a decision about the path or direction to take in a particular situation.

For example, a business leader might say, “We need to set our course for the future and make strategic decisions.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “I’ve set my course to pursue a career in music.”
A coach might advise an athlete, “Set your course and focus on your goals.”

42. Take a stance

When someone takes a stance, they are expressing their position or opinion on a particular issue or topic.

For instance, during a political debate, a candidate might say, “I take a stance on gun control that prioritizes public safety.”
In a discussion about environmental issues, someone might declare, “I take a stance in support of renewable energy.”
A person might advise their friend, “If you want to be taken seriously, you need to take a stance and defend your beliefs.”

43. Take a decision

Taking a decision means making a choice or reaching a conclusion after considering various options or factors.

For example, a student might say, “I’ve taken the decision to study abroad for a semester.”
In a business context, a manager might announce, “After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to restructure the company.”
A person seeking advice might ask, “Should I take the decision to quit my job and pursue my passion?”

44. Make a ruling

When someone makes a ruling, they are officially deciding or declaring a decision, often in a legal or authoritative context.

For instance, a judge might say, “I hereby make a ruling in favor of the plaintiff.”
In a sports game, a referee might make a ruling on a disputed play.
A person might comment on a controversial decision, saying, “I don’t agree with the referee’s ruling.”

45. Make a declaration

Making a declaration involves formally announcing a decision or statement, often in a public or official capacity.

For example, a government official might make a declaration of emergency in response to a natural disaster.
In a relationship, someone might make a declaration of love to their partner.
A person might declare, “I make the declaration that I will pursue my dreams no matter what.”