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
  • 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
  • Hopefully, the next administration will see some sense and once again try to protect the citizenry with stricter gun laws.
    — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • The shooting took place in a country with far stronger gun laws compared to the US and where mass shootings are infrequent.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • Certification framework finalized For aircraft that introduce new technologies, the G-1 Issue Paper establishes the certification basis before engineers begin proving compliance.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • Until now, vertical landings of orbital-class rockets had been performed only by SpaceX, which does them on a regular basis.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • 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
  • That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dictum for Spanish Speakers

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