dictate 1 of 2

Definition of dictatenext
as in to order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority dictated that the terms of surrender be negotiated by his senior staff

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dictate

2 of 2

noun

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 dictate
Verb
Conservatives often claim to want to allow the market to dictate the technologies that win or lose, and in this case, the clear winner in the long term is renewables. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026 But there is no rule or contractual deadline dictating this has to be done before the NBA Draft gets underway on Tuesday. Zach Harper, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Noun
Now, agencies must weigh whether to adhere to federal dictates or comply with state transparency rules, with some directing records custodians and media spokespersons to acknowledge public records requests but not fulfill them unless ICE grants approval, records show. Monique O. Madan, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026 Here’s what the rulebook dictates… and what Wellens actually said. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dictate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictate
Verb
  • Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents and base personnel tracked two suspects while ordering residents to shelter in place, then discovered 51 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl inside the deserted vehicle.
    Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
  • While guests can still order from their full beer menu, KC Bier said guests should expect a limited menu of food for matches during the brewery’s busiest hours, like on weekends.
    Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Authorities also urged anyone celebrating to follow NYPD instructions.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
  • Before cleaning your oven with vinegar, consult the manufacturer's instructions.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Deenadayalan’s attorneys did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • The lawsuit requests that the clinic undertake free genetic testing for all patients and children whose births resulted from embryo implantation during the past five years, the amount of time the clinic had the couple's embryos in its possession.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Under the shadow of a supreme leader who dictates key decisions, and cunning politicians maneuvering for power, the Iranian presidency has over the past two years been reduced to little more than administering the edicts imposed from above.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
  • While that edict seems antiquated with the realities of the House settlement, the settlement doesn’t nullify or supersede appellate precedent.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Vance, asked by a reporter about the criticism from the Israeli government, singled out Israeli Cabinet officials who have attacked the deal, saying Netanyahu has not shared the same opposition in the vice president's conversations with him.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • The 20-year-old inmate would ask her to pass the phone around to different members of the family.
    Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • One of the main roads leading to the Butler Memorial Airport was closed in both directions on Sunday afternoon as authorities responded to the disaster, according to officials.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 14 June 2026
  • Little signs of humanity appeared in every direction, quietly defusing what could have become a disaster instigated by fear.
    Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Under California law, police agencies are generally required to release to the public audio and video recordings of police shootings and other critical incidents involving great bodily injury within 45 days of the incident.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
  • The team cautions that several more iterations of the technology will likely be required before any human trial can begin.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Trump’s order rolled back the executive directives that guided those regulations, but the regulations themselves remain in place.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • While the president's executive order called for voluntary adherence, Friday's directive had a very different tone, said Daniel Remler, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dictate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictate. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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