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

Though, of course, because Larry is Larry (and therefore governed by a peculiar physics that dictates that every step forward be followed by two in reverse), his year at SNL would prove to be far from a rosy adventure. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Your appearance dictates much of how people treat and respond to you. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Noun

Starting next week, a 30-member task force will begin reviewing 24 proposals for a cut of Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax proceeds, which state law dictates must generally be used to promote tourism. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

The difference is the true deficit, as the Legislature’s nonpartisan budget analyst Gabe Petek sees it — and as common sense dictates. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 9 July 2026