dictated

past tense of dictate
as in ordered
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority dictated that the terms of surrender be negotiated by his senior staff

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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 dictated The country’s economic hubs — Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town – were partially shut down because a civic movement, not the state, dictated the tempo. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 1 July 2026 This move was largely dictated by Knicks owner James Dolan's mandate to avoid the NBA's second apron luxury tax, making Robinson too costly to retain despite the front office's desire for a reunion. Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Arda Guler, in a man-of-the-match performance, scored and generally dictated his side’s best attacking moments. Tom Bogert, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Within ambient rap, a sprawling SoundCloud terrain that’s almost solely dictated by vibes and melody, suckrball stands out as a lyrically vivid bloodletter. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026 The control tower would assume there was a VIP on board – which there wasn’t – and protocol dictated that a VIP needed to be met upon arrival by a band. Lisa Rennie Sytsma, Christian Science Monitor, 26 June 2026 Instead, like early transatlantic sailors, its path will be dictated by natural guiding winds. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 June 2026 The minimum recommendation for a layover is usually 45 minutes on domestic flights and two hours on international flights, though these should ultimately be dictated by the size and popularity of the airport. Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026 The note was dictated and signed by Washington and given to Charles Cornwallis, Britain’s lieutenant general commanding the southern campaign, in Yorktown, Virginia, following the British request to end hostilities to agree to the terms of its surrender. Adela Suliman, NBC news, 23 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictated
Verb
  • He was also ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution and $25,000 to the city.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
  • At a hearing on June 24 observed by The Times, 14 immigrants didn’t make their appointment, and were ordered removable by the end of the day.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The other justices did not report any publishing income, but Samuel Alito, whose book is slated to publish later this year, requested a 90-day extension to file his disclosures.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • In response, Kalshi requested that the case be transferred to federal court, arguing that the federal court had jurisdiction.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • When King asked if the unnamed celebrity was the one, Brown didn't hesitate.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
  • Anyone with more is asked to contact LASD's Homicide Bureau investigators at 323-890-5500.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dictated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictated. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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