determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of determined
1
: having reached a decision : firmly resolved
was determined to become a pilot
is determined not to let it happen again
2
a
: showing determination
a determined effort
b
: characterized by determination
… will deter all but the most determined thief.—Security World
determinedly
di-ˈtər-mənd-lē How to pronounce determined (audio)
-mə-nəd-lē, 
dē-
adverb
determinedness
di-ˈtər-mənd-nəs How to pronounce determined (audio)
dē-
noun

Synonyms of determined

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Examples of determined in a Sentence

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes. his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken
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.
The item was later determined to be crack cocaine, the sheriff’s office said. — Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026 Rebecca, a straight-A student, was determined to hold them to it. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 June 2026 All etched into the face of a man who spent his presidency fighting to hold together a nation that seemed determined to tear itself apart. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026 The brothers are also determined to continue Diana's work for charitable causes in their own lives. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for determined

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of determined was circa 1616

Phrases Containing determined

Rhymes for determined

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Browse Nearby Words

determine
determined
determiner
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Cite this Entry

“Determined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determined. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

determined

adjective
de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
1
: having reached a decision : firmly resolved
determined to be a pilot
2
: not weak or uncertain
a very determined opponent
determinedly
-mən-dlē How to pronounce determined (audio)
-mə-nəd-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on determined

Nglish: Translation of determined for Spanish Speakers

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