dicta

noun

variants also dictums
plural of dictum
as in doctrines
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 dicta Safe and familiar as that trajectory might be in a post-#GirlBoss rom-com, Goldstein and Joe Kelly’s script adds a little spice into the mix by questioning the dictums of today’s office culture. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dicta
  1. doctrines
  2. rules
  3. dictates
  4. axioms
  5. laws
  6. maxims
  7. standards
  8. premises
Noun
  • As a kid growing up in a religious household, Jean found the strict doctrines of Christianity unconvincing.
    — Juliet Linderman, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • Even Fitz-Gerald’s locker is a callback to his mom’s doctrines.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of doctrines
Noun
  • The City of Yes plan swept aside cumbersome zoning rules and made office buildings completed as recently as 1990 eligible for conversion in most of Manhattan and parts of other boroughs.
    — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
  • Last year, the Pentagon attempted to impose major restrictions on journalists working inside the Pentagon, which, in turn, led most news outlets to turn in their access badges and walk out rather than agree to the new rules.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of rules
Noun
  • But rather than riding on the top of the mikoshi, or portable Shinto shrine, as tradition dictates, the heavily pregnant Kawata walked behind it.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • Starting next week, a 30-member task force will begin reviewing 24 proposals for a cut of Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax proceeds, which state law dictates must generally be used to promote tourism.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Definition of dictates
Noun
  • Everything in mathematics therefore rests on the axioms, or basic building blocks, of the field.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 26 May 2026
  • One may argue that a more fundamental theory (with more complete axioms) could decide the question, but the final theory should not have undecidable statements.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026
Definition of axioms
Noun
  • Looking ahead Audemard, the retired geologist who warned about a large-scale earthquake for years, said the experts’ recommendations need to be reflected in laws and building codes.
    — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • Passed in 1979, the current plan has been lapped not only by Boise’s land-use laws, but also by construction materials, preservation practices and architecture itself.
    — Mark Dee July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
Definition of laws
Noun
  • By now, decades into Americans’ pursuit of cooking as a mainstream hobby, certain maxims have become near-law among food lovers.
    — Emily Heil, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Maybe anyone planning long journeys should take those maxims as advice anyhow.
    — Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of maxims
Noun
  • Its economy is struggling, public services are strained and improvements in living standards have slowed to a crawl in recent decades.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Lax safety standards and problems with overcrowding frequently result in accidents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • At trainings—held online, and in kitchens, basements, and alleyways—people were taught what to do if they were denied an acta, and how to handle the militares guarding the premises.
    — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • The bakery must have the premises serviced by a pest control operator before reopening, the report said.
    — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of premises

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Cite this Entry

“Dicta.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dicta. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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