dictate 1 of 2

as in to order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority dictated that the terms of surrender be negotiated by his senior staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dictate

2 of 2

noun

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dictate
Verb
This is not about dictating choices or dismissing opinions. Shania Russell, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Market professionals have consistently advised ordinary investors not to let emotion dictate their portfolio judgments. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
But while these directives only apply to federal agencies, some businesses treat them like unofficial government dictates and push their security teams to implement them. Eric Geller, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024 People are relational creatures, shaped by the dictates of their environment. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dictate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictate
Verb
  • The Duke and Duchess of Windsor ordered pieces that were full of personality and wit.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Robert King, 35, who was charged with transmitting interstate threats in federal court on Monday, was ordered to stay in detention by U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Toliver after a hearing in Dallas on Wednesday afternoon, Fox News confirmed.
    Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Or, to extrapolate Anderson’s hacks to this example, creating a competition with a sales incentive would be significantly more impactful than barking instructions.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • To qualify as religious release time, educational instruction must take place off campus, with parental permission and with no public funding.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and is one the whole family (especially the grandkids) request time after time.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • As his May 5 trial looms, Combes earlier this week requested a postponement of the legal proceeding.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Her mom has successfully kept her isolated from her grandfather even though Hazel has asked a lot about him and shown interest in getting to know him.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This included when one circuit asked fans of Minions: The Rise of Gru to stop throwing bananas (talk about a slippery slope!).
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Rubio’s edict also could affect SDSU freshman center Thokbor Majak, who was born in South Sudan before attending school in Uganda and Senegal.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike previous commissions and councils, HESA was not the result of a presidential charge or a Congressional edict.
    David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That case, in federal court in New Jersey, seeks an order that would require Khalil's release and the rescinding of the Rubio determination.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The premise requires both actors not just to showcase a fiery vulnerability, but to stew in these feelings for extended periods, which benefits from Nabulsi’s straightforward, no-frills presentation.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Hopkins said fire department personnel also monitor the outside air and wind direction, knowing that homes downwind are likely to smell the gas and call the fire department with concerns.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
  • So, one way to fix this is, fertilizing in spring with a citrus fertilizer, according to label directions.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The latest directive from Trump follows ongoing efforts in Congress to adopt daylight saving time - including the Sunshine Protection Act, which was reintroduced in the House and Senate by Florida Republicans Rep. Vern Buchanan and Sen. Rick Scott in January.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Due to the agency’s recent restructuring, MED Week has been cancelled for 2025 with no clear directive for future reengagement.
    Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dictate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dictate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!