as in instructions
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behests
Noun
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Follow instructions from local health officials and check back for updates.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026 -
When purchasing a heated bird bath, always read the manufacturer instructions to ensure they are rated for your local temperatures.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Williams agreed that the attempt did not make sense and explained that his thoughts were informed by intoxication and competing internal edicts from a devil and angel.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Dec. 2025
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Saudi Arabia appears to be slowly and quietly rolling back its near-blanket bans on alcohol consumption, signaling perhaps another instance of the Kingdom’s strict religious edicts yielding to its push for international appeal.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The women have frequently shared their custom dirty soda orders and helped catapult the once-niche drink, often guzzled from 44-ounce mega cups, into the spotlight.—
Brittany Anas,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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Such orders are standard in criminal cases in order to protect the integrity of a trial.—
James Hill,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The most trustworthy professionals engage in regular check-ins that invite dialogue rather than deliver directives or interact with people strategically.—
Britney Porter,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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The directives from Byrd’s office are just one front in DeSantis’ and Attorney General James Uthmeier’s efforts to quash the recreational-marijuana initiative.—
Dara Kam,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Police found evidence that two shooters had armed themselves and shown up there at Gonzalez’s behest, who allegedly relayed directions from Vega-Mendoza.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
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This honorary mention is designed to recognise individuals and companies who dare to take risks and champion new directions in Nordic drama.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After reviewing the farm’s seven commandments printed on the barn wall, students can examine the effects of the slight rewording of each commandment in the light of today’s reinterpretation of the Constitution.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
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In the meantime, Cox may be found brushing up on his commandments about Method acting and taking his disappointment with humanity out on Jeremy Strong.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
20 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Behests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behests. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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