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 question for several speakers was not necessarily whether data centers should exist in Marietta, but what rules should govern them.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • New federal rules are creating issues for states The federal rules in question were first proposed last year and were finalized in May.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 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
  • So rather than roll those binary axioms up into a conclusion, there is an easier way to judge the scale of the future of AI, even if not its shape.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Spiritual philosopher Alan Watts is mentioned in Past the Veil’s press release, and Lay imbues these axioms with profundity like only the best teachers can.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
Definition of axioms
Noun
  • Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has repeatedly said the administration is working to establish conditions under which girls and women can attend classrooms or university campuses in line with Islamic Sharia laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • With the inconspicuous glasses, however, that assumption becomes much harder to make—meaning privacy and consent laws can potentially be invoked.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of laws
Noun
  • The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of maxims
Noun
  • Manchester United have, by elite Premier League standards, had a quiet summer 2026 window.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • When the agency tried to make those standards mandatory in 2023, states challenged the rule, and it was withdrawn.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • According to the ministry, this will include a review of security procedures, particularly measures to prevent weapons and other dangerous items from being brought onto school premises.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The same on-premises assumption wastes money in a second way.
    — Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of premises

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dicks
dicta
dictate
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Cite this Entry

“Dicta.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dicta. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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