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

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