dictate 1 of 2

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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dictate

2 of 2

noun

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
In other words, humans were dictating the AI’s response. Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 17 May 2025 The board oversees virtually every aspect of state elections, large and small, from setting rules dictating what makes ballots valid or invalid to monitoring compliance with campaign finance laws. Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 16 May 2025
Noun
OnlyFans models are independent creators who, for the most part, run their businesses according to their own dictates. Jessie Sage, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2024 Too many leaders seek to lead down by being authoritative, by pushing dictates on people and relentlessly driving forward toward arbitrary goals and deadlines. Andrew Deutscher, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dictate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictate
Verb
  • As part of his administration’s campaign against DEI programs, Trump has also ordered federal agencies, including FERC, to stop considering environmental justice in decision-making.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
  • Showtime has ordered an eighth season of its drama The Chi, putting the show into rare company at the outlet.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The star — who is also a dad to daughters Della Rose Joel, 9, and Remy Anne Joel, 7, with wife Alexis Roderick — is undergoing specific physical therapy under his doctor's instructions.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Clear instructions are included, no tools are required and this should be a five or 10 minute exercise that only needs to be done once.
    Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • That’s how Phil Robertson, who found fame and fortune through his hunting-business empire and some controversy but also popularity for his outspoken religious and political beliefs, requested people respond to his death.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 May 2025
  • Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York wrote to the judge requesting the man be incarcerated before trial.
    Evan Mealins, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Think about the vast difference between typing in keywords to get hyperlinks, and simply asking an intelligent entity a question.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The response from her daughter was electric, and people began to comment on the fun design and ask about her interest in ballet.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Gary Councilwoman Lori Lathan, newly appointed to the commission, kick-started a discussion of how the agency can continue to push for things like air quality improvement without referring to climate change or otherwise running afoul of Trump’s edicts.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
  • Despite Newsom’s edict, Bass didn’t appear ready to throw in the towel.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Amorim requires a new centre forward to lead the line, but has missed out on landing Liam Delap after the Ipswich Town striker reportedly decided to join Chelsea instead.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Visiting remote stretches of coast, pristine beaches, or villages that receive few tourists typically requires an explorer yacht that can be self-sufficient for several days.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Mahan has refused to back down, maintaining that making difficult decisions is necessary to steer San Jose in the right direction.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • The transgender junior from Jurupa Valley High School — who competed despite a directive from Trump that she be barred from doing so — won state titles in the girls’ triple jump and the girls’ high jump and took second place in the girls’ long jump.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • The guidance change blindsided the CDC, which did not receive a directive to alter its recommendations until hours after Kennedy's video posted.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dictate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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