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

Eventually, the condition began to dictate nearly every aspect of her life. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

Florey also argued that the County Board cannot interfere with how the clerk secures services or dictate if a particular service, such as printing of ballots, must be bid out. — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Noun

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

Tradition dictates, in its birthplace of the Piedmont region of Italy, that tonnato is served with thin pieces of veal. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 29 June 2026