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
  • Through the legal principle known as respondeat superior, employers are generally liable for actions committed by their employees when the employee acts within the scope of their employment.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
  • The same principle applies to medical devices, diagnostics, digital health technologies, and vaccines.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 14 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
  • Even Fitz-Gerald’s locker is a callback to his mom’s doctrines.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • But the doctrine has been employed in very limited circumstances in the past, and the government has never developed rules to ensure that it is not abused.
    — Benjamin Leff, The Conversation, 9 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
  • The materials prompted an investigation into whether Mission Regional Medical Center and Knapp Medical Center violated state or federal law.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2026
  • With the ruin of Troy also came the desecration of Zeus’ law, which proved dangerous to the returning Ithacans.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • The team fired long-time pitching coach Scott Emerson on Monday and replaced him with bullpen coach Dan Hubbs on an interim basis.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • The Royals had a chance to win in the ninth, loading the bases against Padres closer Mason Miller.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dictum for Spanish Speakers

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