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

Lawlor is also a member of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council — which dictates training criteria for police in Connecticut. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

The goal was to create labs that were horizontal in structure—meaning they aren’t created or dictated by leadership but by professors—and that incorporated not just teachers and students but alumni as well. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Noun

The downturn bolsters the longstanding theory that the Bitcoin market follows the dictates of US election cycles. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 June 2026

And Algorithmic Transparency To balance rapid technological growth with core values, leaders should implement rigorous ethical guardrails that ensure AI integration serves the mission rather than just the dictates of high-tech donors. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026