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
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.
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20decree. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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!