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
Because resale value so often dictates aircraft interiors, conservative palettes tend to win out over more daring ideas. — The Editors, Robb Report, 27 June 2026 The Bullet Train Effect dictates that the massive, exponential gains in efficiency, scale, and market dominance will not go to the companies making the old trains slightly faster. — Ali Hoss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
Its core principle is that when convenience dictates or necessity requires, a country must allow the people, goods and vessels of other nations to pass through its territory for a journey that begins and ends elsewhere. — Vivek Krishnamurthy, The Conversation, 5 May 2026 Central Florida officials are still pushing back against the state’s pro-profiteering dictates, and defending local initiatives like urban growth boundaries. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 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
  • That kind of granular information is important for emergency responders in the field and planners who make decisions about calling for extra help or ordering evacuations.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Americans across the nation are being asked (or ordered) to conserve water, thanks to widespread drought made even worse by a punishing heat wave.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of order
Noun
  • Recent policies that State Shield has supported include a Tennessee bill requiring the state board of education to adopt age-appropriate instruction related to communism and a Louisiana resolution encouraging economic ties with Taiwan.
    — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • Plants need a good root system to hold onto water, and post-establishment watering instructions are important to follow.
    — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
Definition of instruction
Verb
  • If travel or study calls, sketch the first steps and request time to explore them.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • Residents also are requested to limit their consumption to 65 gallons per person per day.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse The highly agile Getty shooter Alan Crowhurst has done us a great favor by bringing concrete cloakroom evidence of the many social and administrative challenges that the (famous) Royal Ascot costume edicts require in order to be properly met.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • The memorandum includes a pledge by Iran to never purchase or construct nuclear weapons — a vow the Islamic Republic has made multiple times before, including by signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in a religious edict issued by the late supreme leader and in the Obama-era nuclear accord.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Definition of edict
Verb
  • When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of ask
Noun
  • Follow the specific directions from your doctor and the exact type of medicine, first and foremost.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The 2026 Honor Marching Band and Color Guard, under the direction of Boise State professor Phil Hartman, filled the air with festive tunes in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 4 July 2026
Definition of direction
Verb
  • Afterward, competitors often deal with bloating, nausea, and dehydration, requiring hours or even days to recover.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Finished over live heat for caramelization, the ribs develop a sticky, smoky crust without requiring a smoker.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of require
Noun
  • The president signed his directive aiming to restrict birthright citizenship on his first day back in the White House as part of a sweeping crackdown on immigration.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The army chief said that in addition to the Daily Monitor, his closure directive also targeted local broadcaster NTV, also part of Nation Media Group.
    — Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dictate for Spanish Speakers

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