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."

Related Words

Relevance

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
  • Bubble lubrication reduces friction beneath the hull The technology draws on the broader principle of reducing contact between an object and surrounding water.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • This phenomenon is the same basic principle of electromagnetic induction behind conventional transformers and generators.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of principle
Noun
  • Clear rules can preserve those responsibilities while guarding against the use of research funds as political rewards or punishments.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In the past, daytime and late-night shows weren’t considered subject to the rule, but Carr has said differently.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth felt her baby leap in her womb, which signified that John had become sanctified and cleansed of original sin, as if by baptism, according to Catholic doctrine.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Police tactics are changing too Historically, France’s crowd control doctrine was all about keeping protesters at a distance.
    — Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • The second axiom of quantum mechanics is called the measurement postulate.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • What motivates voters Extensive research confirms the axiom that a sense of civic duty is the strongest predictor of whether someone will vote.
    — Christopher Miller, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • The department also filed a motion in support of a separate lawsuit filed in May that argues California violates national voting laws by failing to sufficiently remove ineligible voters from its rolls.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Congress must put lasting protections for scientific independence into law.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • Specifically, the scientists found that a receptor protein in the ventromedial hypothalamus may form the basis for the foxes’ social behavior.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Plus, that can impact how the whole institution is run on a day-to-day basis, as Congress has the power to shake up the Smithsonian’s board of regents.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • The mindful alignment of body and mind is the guiding maxim of the spa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • There’s little evidence that Ampere Analysis’ maxim, coined a couple of years ago – a contracting sector chasing a 75% of peak TV business – has not changed.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of maxim

Browse Nearby Words

dictions
dictum
did
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictum. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of defer

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
woman sitting on floor holding book in front of her face on pink background
Famous Novels, Last Lines Quiz Needless to say, spoiler alert.
See All