When it comes to making decisions, there are plenty of synonyms and related words that can be used instead of "makes the decisions". For instance, someone in a leadership or authoritative role might "determine", "decide", or "choose" the best course of action. Alternatively, they might "deliberate", "weigh", or "consider" all available options before reaching a conclusion. Other synonyms for "makes the decisions" include "calls the shots", "exercises discretion", "takes charge", and "has the final say". Overall, there are many different ways to describe the act of making decisions, each with its own connotations and nuances.