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
  • According to the laws of the game, the break between halves should be no longer than 15 minutes but FIFA has been quite vague about the rules for this particular tournament.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • That allowed Max Muncy to work a walk against Jake Bird, who then surrendered a single to Kyle Tucker, an RBI ground-rule double to Teoscar Hernández, a walk to Dalton Rushing, a two-run single to Edman, and an RBI single to Ohtani.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Far from being a resolution to moving past trauma, Stevens said, the forgive-and-forget doctrine likely harms victims more.
    — Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 20 July 2026
  • So Sheikh Hamad's doctrine may outlast him, but only if optionality becomes operational resilience rather than a portfolio of relationships on paper.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 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
  • In 2023, Paramount persuaded Republicans in Texas to provide a series of financially favorable changes to the state’s production laws.
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Movie law conveniently parlays their lengthy sentence into a week’s work at the cheery, picturesque Burning Bush Camp, where supervising pastor Tom (Chris Klein) sportingly overlooks their dubious childcare creds and eccentric prayer style.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 July 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • The three countries, which all house US military bases, have borne the brunt of Tehran’s attacks over the past 13 days.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Most visitors use the cities of Waycross and Folkston as bases (lodging and dining) for exploring the swamp.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • 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
  • In the United Kingdom, the maxim known as Murphy’s law is commonly referred to as Sod’s law.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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