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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
The law prevents cities from enacting ordinances that dictate wage levels or working hours for employers. Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026 Policy alone does not dictate behavior, Strong said, so a shift in culture is necessary. Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 28 May 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
  • About a week before their return to the state championship game, the Hornets’ catcher’s communication equipment broke, leaving them little time to order a replacement.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • Louisiana is currently using a map ordered by a lower court in 2024 to comply with the Voting Rights Act by including a second district with a majority-Black population.
    JACK BROOK, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Both clubs also have youth academies aiming to offer affordable instruction to younger players.
    PJ Green May 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
  • Where needed, eriophyid mites can be controlled with horticultural oil, neem oil or miticide sprays following label instructions.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Speakers at the council meeting all requested answers from the council regarding why the event was canceled.
    Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
  • When a party requests that a proceeding be sealed, a judge will often solicit input from the other side and allow third parties, such as the public and news media, to also provide input.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Arrest comes 40 years later Once they were done eating and interviewing Nash, the team asked him to go outside and look at some photos.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • The police are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Section, Dets.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 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
  • Both passengers have agreed and are required to remain at their residences, have no contact with other people, and participate in daily monitoring activities conducted by local health officials.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • The glamorous Old Hollywood theme extends into the guestrooms, but not all are created equal—some bathrooms are big enough to dance a waltz in, others require you to keep your elbows tucked.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Since the Miss Universe Cuba franchise was established in Miami under the direction of Venezuelan lawyer and designer Prince Julio César in 2024, the city has become a hub for training beauty queens of Cuban origin who represent the island in international competitions.
    Sarah Moreno May 31, Miami Herald, 31 May 2026
  • The election is widely viewed as a verdict on the turbulent presidency of Gustavo Petro, who came to power in 2022, and on the future direction of Colombia’s political and economic model.
    Sebastian Jimenez, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • But now that the proceeding is over, Google today announced new controls for website owners in response to the UK directive.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026
  • But Claude took some of the new directives a bit too seriously; suddenly, every fake passage was filled with characters hopping on a horse, or delivering an important package, or running.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 2 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dictate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictate. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dictate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster