as in edict
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned
I only made the change at the author's behest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of behest
Her fable depicts twin sisters on a revenge road trip, setting out to right the wrongs of their early childhood at the behest of their estranged mother, finding some catharsis along the way.
—
Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
According to the Justice Department, the two used the platform to disseminate pro-China propaganda at the behest of PRC government officials while concealing their ties to the Chinese government from the public.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 May 2026
Derek Jeter once famously wore a gold thong, at the behest of Jason Giambi, to break out of an 0-for-32 slump.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
In The Deal, Hannah breaks up with Garrett at the behest of his father, Phil, who threatens to cut off his son financially if their relationship continues.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for behest
Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
According to the Justice Department, the two used the platform to disseminate pro-China propaganda at the behest of PRC government officials while concealing their ties to the Chinese government from the public.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 May 2026
Derek Jeter once famously wore a gold thong, at the behest of Jason Giambi, to break out of an 0-for-32 slump.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
In The Deal, Hannah breaks up with Garrett at the behest of his father, Phil, who threatens to cut off his son financially if their relationship continues.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for behest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behest
Noun
-
The edict that journalists be accompanied at all times while on Pentagon grounds was introduced in March after a judge struck down an earlier set of restrictions.—
Scott Nover,
Washington Post,
18 May 2026
-
The Chargers’ last game was a playoff loss to Vrabel’s Patriots, so nothing short of an edict from the NFL probably would have stopped the franchise’s social media team from referencing the Vrabel-Russini controversy.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Both clubs also have youth academies aiming to offer affordable instruction to younger players.—
PJ Green
May 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
-
Where needed, eriophyid mites can be controlled with horticultural oil, neem oil or miticide sprays following label instructions.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
In order to add Espinal back to the roster, the Dodgers had to clear a 40-man roster spot.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
During a September 2025 interview with the Taco Policy podcast, Talarico noted that his usual go-to taco order is actually a bacon and egg taco on a flour tortilla – another common combination for breakfast taco connoisseurs.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Since the Miss Universe Cuba franchise was established in Miami under the direction of Venezuelan lawyer and designer Prince Julio César in 2024, the city has become a hub for training beauty queens of Cuban origin who represent the island in international competitions.—
Sarah Moreno
May 31,
Miami Herald,
31 May 2026
-
The election is widely viewed as a verdict on the turbulent presidency of Gustavo Petro, who came to power in 2022, and on the future direction of Colombia’s political and economic model.—
Sebastian Jimenez,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
But now that the proceeding is over, Google today announced new controls for website owners in response to the UK directive.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2026
-
But Claude took some of the new directives a bit too seriously; suddenly, every fake passage was filled with characters hopping on a horse, or delivering an important package, or running.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The assertions are raised in the NCAA’s brief opposing Sorsby’s application for a temporary injunction from Judge Ana Estevez of Lubbock County (Texas) District Court.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
31 May 2026
-
The lawsuit calls for various civil penalties against 23andMe and injunctions blocking the company from further violations of California’s privacy protection laws.—
Jaimie Ding,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Behest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behest. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
