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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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
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
Noun
-
The result is an aesthetic that skillfully balances a variety of textures, including injecting Shou Sugi Ban custom treatments inspired by Japanese principles of wabi-sabi that typically employ elements of asymmetry, roughness, and simplicity.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
12 June 2026
-
The pump operates on the principle of magnetohydrodynamics, the science of how magnetic fields interact with electrically conductive fluids.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
According to Academy rules, the number of nominees in each category is determined by the volume of submissions, with the field expanding to a sixth lead or supporting nominee only once entries cross the 80-submission threshold.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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At first glance, FIFA’s new rule may appear as basic player safety.—
Dilan Gomih,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The Monroe doctrine was explicitly anti-imperialist, stating that the United States would not tolerate interference by the Old World imperial powers in the Western Hemisphere.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
-
Latter-day Saints also reject the Nicene Creed, which emphasizes the doctrine of the Trinity as one divine being.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Everything in mathematics therefore rests on the axioms, or basic building blocks, of the field.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
26 May 2026
-
One may argue that a more fundamental theory (with more complete axioms) could decide the question, but the final theory should not have undecidable statements.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can carry penalties that include fines, probation, community service and a driver's license suspension, though any potential penalties in this case would depend on the outcome of court proceedings.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
For Claire Gregory, however, that expectation never fully aligned with reality, despite earning her law degree, passing two bar exams and working across various areas of the legal field.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The 22-year-old right-hander gave up three hits, struck out seven and walked five in his 107-pitch effort, which included a 97-mph fastball to whiff Joey Loperfido with the bases loaded to end the third.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
Omnisend has historically offered salary increases on a quarterly basis, so this cadence isn’t new.—
Sage Lazzaro,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
But, in a democracy, deciding whether the creation of the fund violates the moral maxim that no one can be a judge in his or her own cause ultimately will be up to the people.—
Austin Sarat,
Fortune,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictum. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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