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fiat

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noun fi·at \ ˈfē-ət , -ˌat , -ˌät ; ˈfī-ət , -ˌat \

Definition of fiat

1 :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.
2 :an authoritative determination :dictate
  • a fiat of conscience
3 :an authoritative or arbitrary order :decree
  • government by fiat

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Examples of fiat in a Sentence

  1. He runs the company by fiat.

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

Recent Examples of fiat from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fiat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of fiat

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

fiat Synonyms

Synonyms
bull, decree, diktat, directive, edict, rescript, ruling, ukase
Related Words
call, conclusion, decision, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment (or judgement), opinion, resolution, verdict; announcement, declaration, dictum, manifesto, proclamation, pronouncement; canon, encyclical

FIAT Defined for English Language Learners

fiat

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noun

Definition of fiat for English Language Learners

  • : an official order given by someone who has power : an order that must be followed

Law Dictionary

fiat

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noun fi·at \ ˈfē-ˌät, -ˌat, -ət; ˈfī-ˌat \

legal Definition of fiat

1 :decree
2 :an authoritative but arbitrary order
  • a brazen act of judicial fiat
  • —L. H. Tribe

Learn More about fiat

  1. See words that rhyme with fiat Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fiat Spanish Central: Translation of fiat Nglish: Translation of fiat for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fiat for Arabic speakers

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Examples: fiat in a Sentence