Synonyms of dictates

dictates 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of dictate

as in orders

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

• orders
• requests
• requires
• mandates
• asks
• directs
• demands
• decrees
• calls for
• ordains
• commands
• calls
• petitions

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cancels
• rescinds
• countermands

dictates

2 of 2

noun

plural of dictate

as in instructions

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

• instructions
• edicts
• orders
• directives
• directions
• dos
• commandments
• injunctions
• requirements
• decrees
• commands
• imperatives
• words
• demands
• charges
• behests
• mandates
• rules
• laws
• regulations
• precepts
• statutes
• countermands
• ordinances
• prescriptions
• prescripts
• counterorders

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appeals
• recommendations
• petitions
• pleas
• urgings
• proposals
• entreaties
• suggestions

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dictates

Verb

The labels follow Apple Music’s introduction in March of AI Transparency Tagging, which dictates in the service’s systems whether a track used AI. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Einstein’s general theory of relativity dictates that a twirling black hole would bring spacetime along for the ride, warping it in a process known as the Lense-Thirring effect. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026

However, next door, Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa requires a minimum yearly passive income of 28,800 euros (about $32,860), while Italy’s Elective Residence Visa dictates an annual private income stream of about €31,000 (about $35,250). — Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

When the government dictates the terms and manufacturers have no realistic way to walk away, that’s price-setting, pure and simple. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Consumers have been feeling the pain, as refining capacity — which dictates the price of products like gasoline and diesel — has become hugely constrained. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

All this does is strengthen a tired argument that has existed in baseball since the ‘90s; that market size dictates the winners. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026

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

Insurance coverage typically dictates which path comes first. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Noun

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

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

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

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

Prioritize Human Oversight 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

As fake dating logic dictates, proximity (and, blessedly, only one bed) leads to very real feelings. — Erin La Rosa, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

Now, agencies must weigh whether to adhere to federal dictates or comply with state transparency rules, with some directing records custodians and media spokespersons to acknowledge public records requests but not fulfill them unless ICE grants approval, records show. — Monique O. Madan, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026