variants
also dictums
as in doctrines
formal
a statement or well-known remark that expresses an important idea, observation, or opinion
A doctor must follow the dictum of "First, do no harm."
Related Words
Relevance
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 Synonyms for dicta
Noun
-
Assayas’s aesthetic is too genteel to even imagine the specifics of loathsome doctrines.
-
The democratization of drone warfare complicates traditional counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, requiring new doctrines, technologies, and legislative frameworks to confront the evolving threat landscape.
Noun
-
That includes the 2013 Supreme Court decision that allowed states and counties with a history of discriminatory voting rules to make changes without prior approval from the Department of Justice.
-
While there are a few unspoken rules for the main course—most people stick to the classic protein, starch, and vegetable combo—appetizers can be practically anything.
Noun
-
The downturn bolsters the longstanding theory that the Bitcoin market follows the dictates of US election cycles.
-
Prioritize Human Oversight And Algorithmic Transparency To balance rapid technological growth with core values, leaders should implement rigorous ethical guardrails that ensure AI integration serves the mission rather than just the dictates of high-tech donors.
Noun
-
Everything in mathematics therefore rests on the axioms, or basic building blocks, of the field.
-
One may argue that a more fundamental theory (with more complete axioms) could decide the question, but the final theory should not have undecidable statements.
Noun
-
Starting in the late 1950s and accelerating in the 1970s, several states enacted laws that required a date label on certain foods.
-
The statement also said Blue Island police are focused on preventing crime, responding to emergencies and enforcing state and local laws, not federal immigration enforcement, as that’s the responsibility of federal agencies.
Noun
-
By now, decades into Americans’ pursuit of cooking as a mainstream hobby, certain maxims have become near-law among food lovers.
-
Maybe anyone planning long journeys should take those maxims as advice anyhow.
Noun
-
The United Kingdom is on course for its sixth prime minister in some seven years, as one political leader after another proves no match for a stubbornly weak economy, which has weighed on incomes and living standards, wearing down the electorate.
-
The sheriff said the agency remains committed to transparency, professionalism and ethical standards.
Noun
-
The Daily Monitor reported on Sunday that military personnel had been deployed at NMG’s premises in the capital, Kampala, and that staff were being prevented from leaving or entering the premises.
-
However, the new island hotel isn't just a smart space with robots assisting human staff throughout the premises.
Cite this Entry
“Dicta.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dicta. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
