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
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Recent Examples of dictum
But for political principals to insist on editing procedures or outcomes is certainly inconsistent with the First Amendment’s dictum regarding the press and maintaining the media’s freedom from government interference.
—
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025
The next Democrat to become president, Bill Clinton, won election in 1992 in part by stressing his adherence to Reagan’s free-market dictums.
—Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, over the last quarter century, firms had already begun implementing the converse of Taylor’s dictum.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The Marquess of Queensberry rules for boxing, 12 dictum which (among other changes) separated fighters by weight class and mandated the use of padded gloves, were promulgated in 1867.
—Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dictum
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025
The next Democrat to become president, Bill Clinton, won election in 1992 in part by stressing his adherence to Reagan’s free-market dictums.
—Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, over the last quarter century, firms had already begun implementing the converse of Taylor’s dictum.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The Marquess of Queensberry rules for boxing, 12 dictum which (among other changes) separated fighters by weight class and mandated the use of padded gloves, were promulgated in 1867.
—Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dictum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictum
Noun
-
Her guiding principle, the high-low mix, is in full effect: Henry Louis Gates, Jr., on Hillary Clinton; Daphne Merkin on S & M. There are portraits by Annie Leibovitz and a meditation on Princess Diana.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
15 June 2025
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The same principle applies to Zegna’s garments in that each piece is designed to evoke a feeling deeper than aesthetics.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Noun
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Though this deal brings some uniformity to the rules, states still have separate laws regarding how NIL can be doled out, which could lead to legal challenges.—
Eddie Pells,
Baltimore Sun,
7 June 2025
-
Supporters say the new rules are necessary to keep California on track for its climate goals.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Because Moore was working for the network, Eady is also suing them by respondeat superior, a legal doctrine that holds employers responsible for the wrongful conduct of their employees.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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Wednesday's ruling was unrelated to the Trump administration pending invocation of the state secrets privilege, a legal doctrine often used in military cases.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Zermelo developed nine simple axioms, that is, unproven basic assumptions, on which everything is based in math.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
9 May 2025
-
In some, the conceit of rational or empirical investigation is coupled with a principle that resists being accounted for in that way: axioms of indifference or exhaustion; rulesof inference;principles of detachment; propertiesof between.—
Jeffrey Weiss,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Oyun-Erdene’s supporters say his ouster had three drivers: Firstly, and with a dash of irony, his relentless pursuit of official graft, including a draft law his cabinet just submitted that would compel all public officials to justify their income.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
13 June 2025
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Newsom said in a court filing on Thursday that troops had moved beyond those allowable duties to actively assist ICE agents in making arrests, in violation of a federal law known as the Posse Comitatus Act, which is designed to prevent the military from being used as a domestic police force.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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On an average basis, the gap between PSG’s salary costs and those of other Ligue 1 clubs has widened from €31.8m in the season before QSI’s takeover to €587.6m in 2023-24.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
15 June 2025
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Israeli strikes also targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry after hitting air defenses, military bases and sites associated with its nuclear program.—
Jon Gambrell,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
Noun
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This is the sort of thing that young people think will never happen to them, but remember the maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
4 June 2025
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That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictum. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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