edict

noun

ˈē-ˌdikt 

1

: a proclamation having the force of law

2

: order, command

We held firm to Grandmother's edict …

—M. F. K. Fisher

edictal

i-ˈdik-tᵊl 

adjective

Did you know?

Edicts are few and far between in a democracy, since very few important laws can be made by a president or prime minister acting alone. But when a crisis arose in the Roman Republic, the senate would appoint a dictator, who would have the power to rule by edict. The idea was that the dictator could make decisions quickly, issuing his edicts faster than the senate could act. When the crisis was over, the edicts were canceled and the dictator usually retired from public life. Things are different today: dictators almost always install themselves in power, and they never give it up.

Synonyms of edict

• decree
• ruling
• directive

Examples of edict in a Sentence

The government issued an edict banning public demonstrations.

the school board's edict put a new student dress code into effect

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the shadow of a supreme leader who dictates key decisions, and cunning politicians maneuvering for power, the Iranian presidency has over the past two years been reduced to little more than administering the edicts imposed from above. —Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

Then, the starting quarterback and play caller can begin building an offense that will have a simple edict this fall. —Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 June 2026

While that edict seems antiquated with the realities of the House settlement, the settlement doesn’t nullify or supersede appellate precedent. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026

The edict that journalists be accompanied at all times while on Pentagon grounds was introduced in March after a judge struck down an earlier set of restrictions. —Scott Nover, Washington Post, 18 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin edictum, from neuter of edictus, past participle of edicere to decree, from e- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for edict

• oviduct

Kids Definition

edict

noun

ˈē-ˌdikt 

: a law or order made or given by an authority (as a ruler)

edictal

i-ˈdik-tᵊl 

adjective