as in principle
formal
a statement or well-known remark that expresses an important idea, observation, or opinion
A doctor must follow the dictum of "First, do no harm."
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dictum
The next Democrat to become president, Bill Clinton, won election in 1992 in part by stressing his adherence to Reagan’s free-market dictums.
—
Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, over the last quarter century, firms had already begun implementing the converse of Taylor’s dictum.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The Marquess of Queensberry rules for boxing, 12 dictum which (among other changes) separated fighters by weight class and mandated the use of padded gloves, were promulgated in 1867.
—Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The party that once embraced President Ronald Reagan’s campaign dictum that the government was the problem now enthusiastically embraces the government as a political weapon.
—Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dictum
Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, over the last quarter century, firms had already begun implementing the converse of Taylor’s dictum.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The Marquess of Queensberry rules for boxing, 12 dictum which (among other changes) separated fighters by weight class and mandated the use of padded gloves, were promulgated in 1867.
—Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The party that once embraced President Ronald Reagan’s campaign dictum that the government was the problem now enthusiastically embraces the government as a political weapon.
—Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dictum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictum
Noun
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This principle seems obvious, yet many measurement approaches inadvertently push brands toward funnel imbalance.—
Cody Greco,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Looking ahead, Sartori believes the principles guiding Zegna’s evolution — craftsmanship, timelessness and genuine customer relationships — will become increasingly important as luxury consumers seek lasting value over temporary satisfaction.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Though this deal brings some uniformity to the rules, states still have separate laws regarding how NIL can be doled out, which could lead to legal challenges.—
Eddie Pells,
Baltimore Sun,
7 June 2025
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Supporters say the new rules are necessary to keep California on track for its climate goals.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
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But a groundswell of protest art was answering the call with a new kind of ardent feeling that damned the false piety and hypocrisy of homophobic Christian doctrine.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
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Together, their strengths offer a model for a pope who can shepherd with both mind and heart — faithful to doctrine and fearless in love.—
Case Thorp,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Noun
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And so, with gold on a steep upward trajectory: The following chart reflects my thinking, based on these axioms: Tension is going to increase dramatically—even from current levels.—
Clem Chambers,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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But the soul of the Scorpion was not easily vanquished, proving the axiom that driving a slow car fast is better than driving a fast car slow.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Sunday marks the first batch — 83, to be exact — to become law.—
Hannah Gaskill,
Baltimore Sun,
31 May 2025
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Earlier this month, Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to the University of Notre Dame claiming its DEI policies may violate state and federal law.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Ukrainians in Kyiv welcomed the strikes on Russian air bases but were gloomy about prospects for a peace agreement.—
Illia Novikov,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
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The Tax Foundation, for instance, which typically favors lower tax rates, found the bill would increase the 10-year budget deficit by $2.6 trillion from 2025 through 2034 on a conventional basis and by $1.7 trillion on a dynamic basis, if growth were assumed.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
3 June 2025
Noun
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This is the sort of thing that young people think will never happen to them, but remember the maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
4 June 2025
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That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictum. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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