Synonyms of decree

decree 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈkrē 

1

as in edict

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

the boss doesn't give out many decrees, but he does expect those that are issued to be fully obeyed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• edict
• instruction
• order
• directive
• injunction
• direction
• commandment
• do
• command
• requirement
• behest
• imperative
• word
• charge
• dictate
• law
• mandate
• demand
• rule
• statute
• ordinance
• prescription
• regulation
• precept
• countermand
• prescript
• counterorder

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• petition
• appeal
• plea
• proposal
• recommendation
• entreaty
• suggestion
• urging

2

as in ruling

an order publicly issued by an authority

a decree issued by the state's supreme court to the legislature

Synonyms & Similar Words

• edict
• ruling
• directive
• decision
• proclamation
• resolution
• declaration
• fiat
• rescript
• announcement
• ukase
• verdict
• diktat
• bull
• opinion
• judgment
• determination
• diagnosis
• pronouncement
• conclusion
• dictum
• manifesto
• deliverance
• call
• canon
• encyclical

decree

2 of 2

verb

as in to order

to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority

the new supervisor decreed that thenceforth coffee breaks would have a 15-minute limit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• order
• request
• mandate
• dictate
• ask
• direct
• call for
• require
• demand
• command
• ordain
• call
• petition

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rescind
• cancel
• countermand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decree

Noun

More than 3,000 morality inspectors have been deployed across the country to enforce the Taliban’s decrees in public spaces and to pressure male family members to ensure women’s compliance within the home. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

The agency warned that recent decrees had further weakened women’s legal protections. — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

On Monday, July 13, the Gandesa City Council decreed two days of official mourning, during which the flags of the municipal buildings will fly at half-mast. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

On July 2, the Vatican decreed the excommunication of the SSPX’s bishops and priests, one day after the group consecrated four new bishops in Switzerland without the pope’s consent. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026