dictate 1 of 2

verb

ˈdik-ˌtāt How to pronounce dictate (audio)
Definition of dictatenext
as in to order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority dictated that the terms of surrender be negotiated by his senior staff

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dictate

2 of 2

noun

ˈdik-ˌtāt How to pronounce dictate (audio)
as in order
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned a starchily worded dictate from on high concerning the company's dress code

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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 dictate
Verb
Army regulation dictates that at least two media outlets should be selected to witness the execution. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 And the First Amendment prohibits the government from dictating speech or prohibiting you from saying things. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
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 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 See All Example Sentences for dictate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictate
  1. order
  2. instruction
  3. request
  4. edict
  5. ask
  6. direction
  7. require
  8. directive
Verb
  • Four years ago, Tennessee's governor ordered another independent review into capital punishment after abruptly stopping the April 2022 execution of Oscar Smith.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The pool was reportedly ordered to remain closed until further inspection, according to the complaint.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of order
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
Verb
  • No payment is requested or exchanged at any point during the selection, evaluation or ranking process; inclusion is based solely on the methodology.
    — Kelli Grant, CFP®,Riley de León, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Others, like Ashra, are requested in advance for Shirodhara therapy, while many guests book Bernie for acupuncture and cupping.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of request
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
Verb
  • The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Last month, Cate Blanchett, from the London stage of National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre after the curtain call of Electra/Persona, asked fans to put away their cellphones.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of ask
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
Verb
  • The city’s postcard sights and destination-worthy dining spots require at least a 20-minute taxi drive or a hop on The Siam’s boat, which can drop you off at most piers along the river.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Twenty-three states have no rating from the big agencies at all, which locks them out of mandates that require one.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of require
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

Browse Nearby Words

dicta
dictate
dictated
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Cite this Entry

“Dictate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictate. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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