Synonyms of dictate

dictate 1 of 2

verb

ˈdik-ˌtāt 

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

• order
• request
• ask
• require
• mandate
• direct
• call for
• demand
• call
• command
• decree
• ordain
• petition

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cancel
• rescind
• countermand

dictate

2 of 2

noun

ˈdik-ˌtāt 

as in order

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

a starchily worded dictate from on high concerning the company's dress code

Synonyms & Similar Words

• order
• instruction
• do
• edict
• direction
• directive
• injunction
• imperative
• command
• commandment
• charge
• decree
• requirement
• behest
• word
• demand
• mandate
• rule
• law
• regulation
• countermand
• prescription
• statute
• ordinance
• counterorder
• precept
• prescript

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appeal
• petition
• plea
• proposal
• recommendation
• urging
• suggestion
• entreaty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dictate

Verb

The objective isn't to take control of a parent's finances or dictate what their plans should look like. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Rather than dictate final shots, those sessions let the filmmakers experiment with digital environments and camera positions early, with the resulting camera data helping guide the physical shoot and subsequent VFX work. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Noun

The individual sensibilities of people who directed them were subordinated to dictates of the franchise. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

But rather than riding on the top of the mikoshi, or portable Shinto shrine, as tradition dictates, the heavily pregnant Kawata walked behind it. — Reuters, NBC news, 20 July 2026