Synonyms of dictating

dictating 1 of 2

adjective

as in controlling

Related Words

• controlling
• commanding
• imperial
• arrogant
• regimental
• important
• arbitrary
• uppity
• superior
• domineering
• supercilious
• high-and-mighty
• autocratic
• tyrannical
• pretentious
• haughty
• assumptive
• dictatorial
• authoritarian
• disdainful
• overbearing
• presumptuous
• despotic
• bossy
• presuming
• high-hat
• proud
• lordly
• huffy
• overweening
• authoritative
• magisterial
• tyrannous
• lofty
• imperious
• toplofty
• uppish
• masterful
• peremptory
• assertive
• fastuous
• highfalutin
• high-handed
• aggressive
• directorial
• self-asserting
• imperative
• omnipotent
• narcissistic
• all-powerful
• conceited
• pompous
• almighty
• vain
• stern
• self-assertive
• firm

Dissimilar Words

• modest
• humble
• amenable
• meek
• obedient
• docile
• unassuming
• tractable
• passive
• indecisive
• compliant
• yielding
• submissive
• irresolute
• acquiescent
• resigned

dictating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of dictate

as in ordering

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

• ordering
• requesting
• asking
• mandating
• directing
• requiring
• decreeing
• commanding
• demanding
• calling for
• calling
• ordaining
• petitioning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• canceling
• rescinding
• countermanding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dictating

Adjective

As well as his tempo-dictating actions on the ball, Rodri also tops the list for counter-pressing wins among all players in this World Cup. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 18 July 2026

The 23-year-old forward was the one with the ball in his hands, dictating actions, making decisions. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025

Verb

Over the following centuries many women took on the role of biological reproduction machines, with population growth and population control dictating how many babies women should have. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026

After so much talk leading up to and coming out of the game in Melbourne, Australia, about the Los Angeles Rams waiting until late to fly there — and lost 27-7 to San Francisco — the NFL does not appear close to dictating when teams must travel. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

So once again, the rich, powerful Establishment would be dictating the terms under which everyone else lives. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

This is her first time in the finals as a team leader, and her production will go a long way toward dictating Atlanta’s success. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Straight legs, cigarette cuts, wide fits, and slim silhouettes are all in circulation at once—which means there’s no single dominant shape dictating the market. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

And the First Amendment prohibits the government from dictating speech or prohibiting you from saying things. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026

This would ensure conferences, colleges and athletes are free to negotiate and enter into agreements that benefit everyone, without the heavy hand of government dictating what parties can offer or accept. — Sen. Rand Paul Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

But not all colleges or even high school teachers embraced the idea, in part because of concerns about a test dictating high school curricula. — Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026