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
  • Phillips may no longer be the focus of the ethics inquiry, but he could still be asked to answer questions or supply documents as the committee determines if Collins violated any laws or rules.
    — Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Rule 10 - The Banana Ball challenge rule Each manager gets one challenge per game that can be used at any moment — and the challenge is kept if the manager was correct.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 27 July 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Experts cite Iran's doctrine of irregular warfare, limited conventional projection capabilities, and the strong US/coalition presence in the region.
    — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The majority opinion, delivered by Justice Horace Gray, stated in no uncertain terms the dangers of pivoting from the Fourteenth Amendment’s jus soli doctrine to jus sanguinis citizenship.
    — Claire Ke, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • An Anthropic employee and mathematician recently overturned a nearly century-old axiom with the help of Claude, prompting Garry Tan, CEO of startup-funder Y Combinator, to announce the era of the gentleman scientist is back.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 July 2026
  • But whether that axiom applies to the quadrennial World Cup tournament is a different question.
    — John A. Tures, The Conversation, 26 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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