by decree
idiom
: because of an official order
He took his position by decree of the national government.
Examples of by decree in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a day of turmoil for the nation off southern Africa’s coast, the 51-year-old leader, whose whereabouts are unknown, earlier sought to dissolve the lower house by decree.
—
CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Hamas is removed from political life by decree.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Boluarte faced fierce opposition in 2022, shortly after assuming the presidency, when 10 people were reportedly killed during anti-government protests after former President Pedro Castillo was impeached for rebellion following his attempt to oust Congress and rule by decree.
—Connor Greene, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
That would amount to a declaration that there are no limits left—that a president can invent an emergency in order to rule by decree, on anything.
—Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by decree
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.
CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Hamas is removed from political life by decree.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Boluarte faced fierce opposition in 2022, shortly after assuming the presidency, when 10 people were reportedly killed during anti-government protests after former President Pedro Castillo was impeached for rebellion following his attempt to oust Congress and rule by decree.
—Connor Greene, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
That would amount to a declaration that there are no limits left—that a president can invent an emergency in order to rule by decree, on anything.
—Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by decree
Cite this Entry
“By decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20decree. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share