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
  • Sharp has traditionally paid its employees to attend an all-hands recognition event for those deemed by their peers to best meet the organization’s guiding principles.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Instilling those same principles in their replacements are fundamental in the new era.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of principle
Noun
  • So what if the credulous smallfolk now believe that the Usurper’s rule is ordained by the Gods?
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Russian leader, Dickinson says, might be convinced that if a democratic system were allowed to take hold in Russia, that could mark the end of Putin’s rule and perhaps even the break-up of the Russian Federation.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Skinner pleaded guilty under the Alford doctrine to health insurance fraud.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • None of these developments establishes a new legal doctrine, and the examples do not share a single policy objective.
    — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 10 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
  • The governor also signed a bill into law Friday requiring the Illinois Department of Insurance to study how healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies participate in the 340B program.
    — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Friday afternoon, White House counsel released a letter to congressional leaders emphasizing that the 'Protect College Sports Act' would not preempt current state laws that prohibit men for competing in women's sports.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • Chicago White Sox pitching coach Zach Bove visited starter Noah Schultz after the left-hander hit Cleveland Guardians cleanup batter Jo Adell with a pitch to load the bases with one out Friday at Rate Field.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott retired seven straight before singles by Henry Bolte and Tommy White and a walk to Jonah Heim loaded the bases in the fourth.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dictum for Spanish Speakers

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