1
: unquestionable
holds a decided advantage over the competition
His most popular hat … has a medium-width brim with a decided curl. Greg Tasker
speaks with a decided lisp
2
: free from doubt or wavering
has decided ideas on politics
decidedly adverb
decidedness noun

Examples of decided in a Sentence

a decided hint of perfume on her skin
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.
Among decided voters, 86 percent of those who voted for the Ennahda and 84 percent of those who supported the FJP in the last elections would vote for them again. Lindsay Benstead, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2013 Households are broadly cutting their discretionary spending and making a decided turn toward the practical. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of decide

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decided was in 1790

Cite this Entry

“Decided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decided. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

decided

adjective
1
: unmistakable, clear
a decided advantage
2
: free from doubt : firm entry 1
a decided tone of voice
decidedly adverb
decidedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on decided

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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