judgment call

noun

: a subjective decision, ruling, or opinion

Examples of judgment call in a Sentence

The rules aren't clear in this case, so officials are required to make a judgment call.
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.
And a person still has to make the judgment call when things get complicated. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026 In other words, unlike most offside reviews, this one largely came down to a judgment call, not a black-and-white freeze-frame. Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 Fraser says her ability to make a judgment call — and then, in British fashion, get on with it—is a trait that’s served her well. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 27 May 2026 And the reality is that what may seem like a harmless judgment call can have significant consequences. Mary Beth Skylis, Outside, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for judgment call

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of judgment call was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Judgment call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/judgment%20call. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

judgment call

noun
: a subjective decision, ruling, or opinion
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