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 In this new world, leading firms were already implementing the converse of Taylor’s dictum. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Not that the publishing industry can’t or shouldn’t address the more general problem Kuznetsova highlights, which applies to this dictum, too. — Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025 The dictum is Beijing’s most substantive retaliation yet to Sanae Takaichi’s remarks. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025 Safe and familiar as that trajectory might be in a post-#GirlBoss rom-com, Goldstein and Joe Kelly’s script adds a little spice into the mix by questioning the dictums of today’s office culture. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 June 2026 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
  • Like all collective movements, the foundational principle is that the many can strike better terms than the few.
    — Zoey Forbes, The Dial, 7 July 2026
  • The challenge is to preserve those principles while recognizing that the economics of legal services are changing rapidly.
    — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of principle
Noun
  • In the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, which borders Crimea, another video shows a man filling up a container in the back of his car while two women berate him for breaking the rules.
    — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The Marlins tacked on two runs in the second on Lopez’s ground-rule double and Hicks’ sacrifice fly.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • Deployment and engagement decisions, however, will remain under human control and within existing doctrine and legal frameworks.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • But whether that axiom applies to the quadrennial World Cup tournament is a different question.
    — John A. Tures, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • Furthermore, this equality isn’t just a formal, mathematical axiom.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Beginning Monday, the focus shifts to whether there is enough evidence for a trial and if the death penalty is warranted, said Paul Cassell, a University of Utah law professor and former federal judge.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • Dominic Canzone and Randy Arozarena walked to load the bases with one out before Josh Naylor struck out swinging.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) evaluates transgender student participation on a case-by-case basis, generally supporting inclusion while lacking a statewide legislative ban.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • But that’s the world’s most popular game in 2026, intent on testing the old coaching maxim that failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
    — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 11 June 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dictum for Spanish Speakers

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