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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Multiple bills have been introduced in Congress to rebuild college sports for this new era, dictating how athletes may or may not participate in sports, how they may be compensated, and how universities may or may not administer their athletic programs. Sen. Rand Paul Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026 Recorded in Los Angeles, the Turks and Caicos, and France, KOBE credits the ambiance of each setting with dictating the mixtape’s production. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 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
  • Guests can also order customized barrel heads, or lids, to take home.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Under pressure from the officer on the phone, Sandra, her fiancé, and other employees at the establishment are ordered to put Becky through a series of increasingly exploitative and humiliating experiences — all in the name of upholding the law.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Be sure to read all instructions and fill the form out only once.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 6 June 2026
  • Kuwaiti’s military said forces were intercepting missiles and drones attacking the country, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and told residents to move to the nearest safe location and follow official instructions.
    Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Madison Square Garden requested a permit for a watch party for 500 to 999 fans, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city approved one for 999.
    Antonio Ferme, Variety, 11 June 2026
  • Citizens, private investigators, family and media have over the years requested crime and autopsy reports related to the case from Weatherford police — only to be met with persistent denials, according to records obtained by the Star-Telegram.
    Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • The edict that journalists be accompanied at all times while on Pentagon grounds was introduced in March after a judge struck down an earlier set of restrictions.
    Scott Nover, Washington Post, 18 May 2026
  • The Chargers’ last game was a playoff loss to Vrabel’s Patriots, so nothing short of an edict from the NFL probably would have stopped the franchise’s social media team from referencing the Vrabel-Russini controversy.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • According to sources, Thomas was asked to appear as well but ultimately decided not to participate.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • He was confronted with the accusation on the course and was asked to leave, the outlet reported.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Reid plays this so well, but the direction is a little over the top, with drug-trip visuals that are too distracting to follow the dense-as-ever disjointed narration.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 8 June 2026
  • The suspect appeared to fire a gun indiscriminately in the direction of several people and then ran back toward the apartments, Perez said.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • The administration has cracked down on most forms of migration for foreigners — demanding that bonds of up to $15,000 be paid for visa processing in some, mainly African, countries and requiring years of personal history, including social media accounts, to be vetted.
    Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • Monday’s ruling ensures that California employers can continue to recruit foreign employees for roles that require specialized skills, Bonta said.
    Haley Parsley June 8, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Under Miami’s governance structure, city commissioners are supposed to issue directives through the city manager.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
  • According to Valarie, Anthony was taken off life support per a prior directive and died on Saturday, June 6.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dictate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictate. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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