fiat

noun

fi·​at ˈfē-ət 

-ˌat, 

-ˌät;

ˈfī-ət, 

-ˌat 

1

: an authoritative or arbitrary order : decree

government by fiat

2

: an authoritative determination : dictate

a fiat of conscience

3

: a command or act of will that creates something without or as if without further effort

According to the Bible, the world was created by fiat.

Synonyms of fiat

• decree
• edict
• ruling
• directive

Examples of fiat in a Sentence

He runs the company by fiat.

the school principal issued a fiat that caps were not to be worn inside the school, and that was that

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite its volatility, its general correlation with traditional asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and fiat currencies has generally grown. —Jason Phillips, Ascend Agency, 30 Jan. 2026

In a world where digital currencies vie with traditional havens, Hong Kong’s hub status could bridge fiat, crypto, and commodities. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Bitcoin’s popularity, Al-Joundi argued, has introduced a younger generation to the idea of owning a hedge against unstable fiat currencies. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026

Of course, that which is imposed by executive fiat can later be repealed by executive fiat. —Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, let it be done, 3rd singular present subjunctive of fieri to become, be done — more at be

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing fiat

• fiat money

Kids Definition

fiat

noun

fi·​at ˈfē-ət  -at 

-ät;

ˈfī-ət, 

-at

: an order from someone in charge

Legal Definition

fiat

noun

fi·​at ˈfē-ˌät, -ˌat, -ət; ˈfī-ˌat 

1

: decree

2

: an authoritative but arbitrary order

a brazen act of judicial fiat

—L. H. Tribe