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
My mood might dictate a mellow classical or a nostalgic rock n’ roll journey. Liza Lentini, SPIN, 26 June 2026 But the state doesn’t dictate how irrigation districts use those incentives. Emily Cureton Cook, ProPublica, 26 June 2026
Noun
As fake dating logic dictates, proximity (and, blessedly, only one bed) leads to very real feelings. Erin La Rosa, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for dictate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictate
Verb
  • The spacecraft will then be ordered to slowly approach and survey Swift before grabbing the observatory with its robotic arms and slowly raising the orbit to nearly 370 miles.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • Larger versions serving 10 to 12 guests can also be ordered for private celebrations.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Recent policies that State Shield has supported include a Tennessee bill requiring the state board of education to adopt age-appropriate instruction related to communism and a Louisiana resolution encouraging economic ties with Taiwan.
    Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • Plants need a good root system to hold onto water, and post-establishment watering instructions are important to follow.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • If travel or study calls, sketch the first steps and request time to explore them.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • Residents also are requested to limit their consumption to 65 gallons per person per day.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse The highly agile Getty shooter Alan Crowhurst has done us a great favor by bringing concrete cloakroom evidence of the many social and administrative challenges that the (famous) Royal Ascot costume edicts require in order to be properly met.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • The memorandum includes a pledge by Iran to never purchase or construct nuclear weapons — a vow the Islamic Republic has made multiple times before, including by signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in a religious edict issued by the late supreme leader and in the Obama-era nuclear accord.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Denver’s brass was asked about those comments on Wednesday, and Wallace responded by sharing some thoughts on the team’s internal and external goals.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • The firms asked the judge to dismiss the case Wednesday, arguing Uber had failed to prove fraud.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Follow the specific directions from your doctor and the exact type of medicine, first and foremost.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The 2026 Honor Marching Band and Color Guard, under the direction of Boise State professor Phil Hartman, filled the air with festive tunes in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
    Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Afterward, competitors often deal with bloating, nausea, and dehydration, requiring hours or even days to recover.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Finished over live heat for caramelization, the ribs develop a sticky, smoky crust without requiring a smoker.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The president signed his directive aiming to restrict birthright citizenship on his first day back in the White House as part of a sweeping crackdown on immigration.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The army chief said that in addition to the Daily Monitor, his closure directive also targeted local broadcaster NTV, also part of Nation Media Group.
    Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dictate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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