DECREE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

decree 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈkrē

Definition of decree

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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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 decree

Noun

Former president Jair Bolsonaro — Flávio Bolsonaro’s father — signed a 2020 decree that opened a path toward privatizing parts of it before immediately backing down amid a wave of criticism. — Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026 Wisely, our Fathers chose a secular people-friendly format not subject to papal or evangelical or ayatollah decree. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

The barrages prompted Putin last month to decree that the state temporarily can seize control of critical infrastructure facilities if private owners fail to protect them from Ukrainian drone attacks or don’t rebuild them after strikes. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 In a significant policy twist, on 14 August, Spain’s government decreed a three-year extension for a pair of nuclear power plants with combined capacity of about 2 gigawatts. — IEEE Spectrum, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decree

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decree

Noun

But this exploitation of Catholic bishops who were praying for their president, not delivering papal edicts with political patinas, feels especially repulsive.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Eventually, an edict from the top came that existing attorneys should not anticipate additions to the court teams, according to one source.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of edict

Noun

The defense trial accounts of bias were connected to Weeks’ rulings, which were within his discretion and not a basis for recusal, prosecutors argued.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
And a ruling for the Justice Department from the Supreme Court could snarl the process further.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruling

Verb

Mountbatten-Windsor was also ordered to move out of the Royal Lodge, his longtime home in parkland near Windsor Castle.

— Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Israel ordered residents to evacuate the gunmen's neighborhood and closed roads into and out of Hebron.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of order

Noun

The researchers modified a capsid protein called pVIII, attaching cancer antigens to its surface by incorporating the corresponding genetic instructions into the virus.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
The Photo Studio, led by a professional photographer, also offers classes and instruction on how to snap the perfect wildlife and iceberg pictures.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of instruction

Verb

Higby did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment and did not have an attorney in court records.

— Mark Vancleave, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Hainsworth was fired in January of 2023 and alleged in the same lawsuit that he was wrongfully terminated in retaliation for reporting workplace safety hazards and requesting accommodations for injuries sustained on the job.

— Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

Educators see every day how decisions about staffing, resources, and working conditions affect students’ opportunities to learn.

— Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Court records show the church's initial investigation into the boys' report was inconclusive, and Hamilton later said in a debate he was not involved in the decision to allow the volunteer to return.

— Grace Hills, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of decision

Browse Nearby Words

decreasingly

decree

decreed

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Style

“Decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decree. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of decree

noun

verb

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