Examples of decree in a Sentence
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
In April 2022, the ATF issued a rule decreeing that ghost guns had to conform to the same regulations as regular firearms, including carrying serial numbers and requiring background checks.
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Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 1 June 2026
Turner decreed that wolves on his land were never to be hunted or lethally controlled.
—Todd Wilkinson, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
The organization’s board of governors decreed that the only sorts of performances that will be eligible for acting Oscars are those credited in a film’s legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent.
—Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026
After Britain’s exit, the EU decreed that member states can also use the word marmalade for non-citrus fruit spreads, as long as the type of fruit involved is identified.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decree
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Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 1 June 2026
Turner decreed that wolves on his land were never to be hunted or lethally controlled.
—Todd Wilkinson, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
The organization’s board of governors decreed that the only sorts of performances that will be eligible for acting Oscars are those credited in a film’s legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent.
—Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026
After Britain’s exit, the EU decreed that member states can also use the word marmalade for non-citrus fruit spreads, as long as the type of fruit involved is identified.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decree
Cite this Entry
“Decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decree. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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
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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
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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).
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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
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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
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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
Old French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide
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