1
: an order usually having the force of law
a judicial decree
by royal decree
2
b
: a foreordaining will
God's decree
3
a
: a judicial decision of the Roman emperor
b
: a judicial decision especially in an equity (see equity sense 3a) court or probate court
decreed; decreeing
2
: to determine or order judicially
decree a punishment
Examples of decree in a Sentence
Noun
The President issued a decree making the day a national holiday.
Their marriage was annulled by judicial decree.
Verb
The government decreed a national holiday.
The change was decreed by the President.
The City Council has decreed that all dogs must be kept on a leash.
Recent Examples on the Web
Natalia Cano, Billboard, 10 May 2025
According to a new decree signed by Putin last November, soldiers with severe injuries will receive 3 million rubles (about $30,000), while those with minor injuries will receive 1 million rubles ($10,000) and the least serious are paid 100,000 rubles ($1,000).
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Alex Raskolnikov, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2025
If no pope is elected after 33 or 34 votes – generally about 13 days – then a new rule introduced by Pope Benedict XVI decrees that the two leading candidates as determined by previous ballots engage in a runoff vote.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decree
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Noun
The government of Michoacán enacted a state decree on April 17 that prohibits the performance and/or reproduction of music that promotes the glorification of criminal activities at public events.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 10 May 2025
According to a new decree signed by Putin last November, soldiers with severe injuries will receive 3 million rubles (about $30,000), while those with minor injuries will receive 1 million rubles ($10,000) and the least serious are paid 100,000 rubles ($1,000).
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Verb
Imagine if Congress decreed that Chinese investors should pay lower taxes on income from U.S. assets than U.S. residents pay.
—Alex Raskolnikov, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2025
If no pope is elected after 33 or 34 votes – generally about 13 days – then a new rule introduced by Pope Benedict XVI decrees that the two leading candidates as determined by previous ballots engage in a runoff vote.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decree
Cite this Entry
“Decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decree. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decree
1 of 2 noun
de·cree
di-ˈkrē 
: an order or decision given by one in authority
decree
2 of 2 verb
decreed; decreeing
: to command or order by decree
Legal Definition
decree
noun
de·cree
di-ˈkrē
1
: an order having the force of law
by judicial decree
2
: a judicial decision especially in an equity or probate court
—
consent decree
: a decree entered by a court that is determined by the parties' agreement : a settlement between the parties that is subject to judicial approval and supervision
specifically
: such a decree by which the accused agrees to cease alleged illegal activities without admitting guilt
—
decree nisi
decrees nisi
: a provisional decree that will become final unless cause is shown why it should not
Note: Some states grant divorces using decrees nisi. The decree nisi creates a time period (as of 3 months) allowing for possible reconciliation or for completion of various arrangements (as custody).
—
decree pro confesso
: a decree entered by a court based on a defendant's default and the presumption that the allegations are confessed compare default judgment at judgment sense 1a
—
final decree
: a decree that disposes of an action by determining all matters in dispute including especially the parties' rights compare final judgment at judgment sense 1a
—
interlocutory decree
: a decree that is made during the course of an action and that does not settle all matters in dispute
decree
verb
Etymology
Noun
Old French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide
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