dictum

noun

Definition of dictumnext
as in principle
formal a statement or well-known remark that expresses an important idea, observation, or opinion A doctor must follow the dictum of "First, do no harm."

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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 dictum The dictum is Beijing’s most substantive retaliation yet to Sanae Takaichi’s remarks. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025 But today the dictum applies to Israel, as well. — Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2025 Not that Wolfe’s dictum was totally off the mark. — David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 This dictum—to honor and to applaud—brought me to Charleston this past December. — Latria Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for dictum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictum
  1. principle
  2. rule
  3. doctrine
  4. axiom
  5. law
  6. basis
  7. maxim
Noun
  • The 14th Amendment’s foundational principles include birthright citizenship, due process, equal protection under the law, and the prohibition for heads of state to engage in acts of insurrection.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 July 2026
  • Despite widespread knowledge of Lean Startup principles and AI making product development easier, many entrepreneurs still struggle.
    — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of principle
Noun
  • The State Election Board drew national attention ahead of the 2024 presidential election for passing a slate of sweeping rules that read like a wish list of election skeptics.
    — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The shuttering of Tibetan schools has come alongside a national tightening of rules on private schools in 2021.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • In Chinese statecraft, doctrine does not always precede action.
    — Natalia Cote-Muñoz, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Modern powerhouses like Amazon and Apple continue to validate the long-term efficacy of deep customer obsession and continuous innovation, proving this enduring approach far more robust than the fleeting MSV doctrine.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • Spiritual philosopher Alan Watts is mentioned in Past the Veil’s press release, and Lay imbues these axioms with profundity like only the best teachers can.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
  • An Anthropic employee and mathematician recently overturned a nearly century-old axiom with the help of Claude, prompting Garry Tan, CEO of startup-funder Y Combinator, to announce the era of the gentleman scientist is back.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Taken together, these state laws are building a national regime by accumulation, which is precisely the outcome the industry's federal lobbying push is trying to preempt.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Videos on Iranian social media showed many women at the cafes flouting mandatory veiling laws, and crowds mixing freely.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • Though Springs’ outing was particularly rough Friday, Kotsay said his ability to escape the fourth inning, which saw the Tigers load the bases with one out, after only surrendering one run, was a positive takeaway.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Nick Gonzales' first-inning single with the bases loaded drove in two runs to put Pittsburgh ahead 2-0.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • But looking across the span of the past decade, the maxim about rookie tight ends makes sense.
    — John Riker, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of maxim

Browse Nearby Words

dictions
dictum
did
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Cite this Entry

“Dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictum. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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