behest

noun

bi-ˈhest How to pronounce behest (audio)
Definition of behestnext
as in edict
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned I only made the change at the author's behest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 behest The investigation found Leonard received $66 million in cash and equity from four companies facilitated by Ballmer and Clippers executives at the behest of Dennis Robertson, Leonard’s uncle and then-agent. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 After casting Ryder at the studio’s behest, Di Novi hit it off with the actor, and their rapport led to one of Di Novi’s key early partnerships. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 The 20-firefighter team made a stop at Merrillville Fire Station #73 at the behest of team member Phil Hasier, a Merrillville Fire captain taking his inaugural ride. — Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026 An internal company memo from around the time of the recovery mission — also obtained by CNBC — indicates Coupang coordinated the computer recovery at the behest of a high-ranking national security officer from the South Korean president’s office. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behest
  1. edict
  2. instruction
  3. order
  4. direction
  5. directive
  6. injunction
Noun
  • The edict is to transform the operating model when the market fundamentally shifts so the company can thrive in a changing environment.
    — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The film by and large follows the edicts of Iranian neorealism, with unobtrusive observations and a naturalistic soundscape.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of edict
Noun
  • According to Dutch News, neither officials in Curaçao nor the Dutch government have said where the instruction originated.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • However, considering the nature of the investigation and Chen’s access to children through his music instruction, sheriff’s officials said investigators want to ensure no inappropriate contact with a child has gone unreported.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • At least one county, Okaloosa, issued mandatory evacuation orders and opened shelters.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The first six episodes can be watched in any order before the truth is revealed in the seventh and final one.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of order
Noun
  • Our research is already leading in new directions beyond ancient interiors.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The team notes that this version uses one cell line, muscle fibers aligned in one direction and simple shapes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of direction
Noun
  • The mayor also signed an executive directive that requires that city law enforcement personnel use their body worn cameras to record federal immigration enforcement actions.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Individual campuses in the CSU and UC can create their own policies in addition to systemwide directives.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of directive
Noun
  • The Justice Department argued the outlets are unlikely to succeed on their claims and urged Kelly to deny their request for a preliminary injunction.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The injunction granted White immediately eligibility for the 2026-27 season, barring an emergency stay of the order in the NCAA’s favor.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of injunction

Browse Nearby Words

behemoths
behest
behests
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Behest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behest. Accessed 9 Oct. 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 inscrutable

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

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

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

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

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

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
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All