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
  • Assayas’s aesthetic is too genteel to even imagine the specifics of loathsome doctrines.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
  • The democratization of drone warfare complicates traditional counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, requiring new doctrines, technologies, and legislative frameworks to confront the evolving threat landscape.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Definition of doctrines
Noun
  • Along with zoning rules, the city is considering changes to regulations governing water use, noise, and economic development agreements.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • The compliance system usage fee would cover enforcement of city contract provisions on contractors, including prevailing wage and living wage rules.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of rules
Noun
  • The difference is the true deficit, as the Legislature’s nonpartisan budget analyst Gabe Petek sees it — and as common sense dictates.
    — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Tradition dictates, in its birthplace of the Piedmont region of Italy, that tonnato is served with thin pieces of veal.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 29 June 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
  • The deal could close as soon as July 22, though several states, including Oregon and California, are investigating whether the $111 billion transaction violates their antitrust laws.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • Prediction markets can legally operate in Texas because they’re regulated by the federal government rather than under state gambling laws.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 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
  • The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • If an employer chooses to grant recognition, no election takes place, and the parties begin bargaining a contract that sets standards for wages, working conditions and benefits.
    — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
  • Surveillance cameras were also placed on the team floors of the hotel, as well as in the lobby and meeting rooms, and local media were only permitted in the team hotel for official press events, while fans were barred from the premises altogether.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dicta for Spanish Speakers

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