behest

noun

bi-ˈhest How to pronounce behest (audio)
Definition of behestnext
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

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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 Growing tensions China has been pushing for the EU to stop blocking Chinese imports of advanced computer chipmaking machines, restrictions imposed on national security grounds at Washington’s behest. — Sam McNeil, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 China is pushing for the EU to stop blocking its imports of advanced computer chipmaking machines, restrictions imposed on national security grounds at Washington's behest. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 The decreases come as the CTA boosted law enforcement on the system at the federal government’s behest, a move that threatened to withhold funding from the transit agency after last year’s Blue Line attack. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 The allegations include electric shocks, beatings and asphyxiation at Maduro’s behest. — Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behest
  1. edict
  2. instruction
  3. order
  4. direction
  5. directive
  6. injunction
Noun
  • The edict is to transform the operating model when the market fundamentally shifts so the company can thrive in a changing environment.
    — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The film by and large follows the edicts of Iranian neorealism, with unobtrusive observations and a naturalistic soundscape.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of edict
Noun
  • Believing her daughter’s life was on the line, Del Mastro followed the caller’s instructions for five hours.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Over seven full-lengths, Butler has created a multi-volume instruction manual for transcendence.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • In April 2025, Brad Smith announced that Microsoft would challenge any government order to suspend its European cloud operations through available legal avenues, including the courts.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The quicker Wendy's rids itself of the meth addicts and prison-release system workers, the sooner this brand restores order.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of order
Noun
  • Brennan said his letter was based on direction offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in November.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Reversing the voltage’s polarity reversed the direction of rotation.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of direction
Noun
  • The court found that the directive to fast to death was implemented by targeting children first, while guards were deployed to prevent them from escaping, beating those who attempted to escape or eat.
    — Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • That may include a will, durable financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney or proxy and an advance health care directive.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of directive
Noun
  • With the Tennessee court ruling for the NCAA, Storr’s hopes for an injunction now rest in a Colorado court.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Lazo did not have an attorney listed in the docket for her injunction.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of injunction

Browse Nearby Words

behemoths
behest
behests
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Cite this Entry

“Behest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behest. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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