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
No one can really dictate what fashion will be from season to season. Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025 As the second eldest of eight children, Lee grew up in a large family, and 18th century living conditions dictated that her family all sleep together in one room. Barry Levitt, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
The law of the season dictates there has to be one Ultimate Summer Music Weekend. Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2025 Their feeble efforts fall flat, because the physical historical record dictates otherwise. Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dictate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictate
Verb
  • The arbitrator also ordered the city to pay Biscari back wages and benefits as well as the legal costs that Local 42 accrued in pursuing the grievance.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • At the same time, the White House has ordered immigration enforcement in cities around the country.
    Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • IEPs set out guidelines for the special education the school will provide the child, specifying the specific accommodations, type of instruction, and behavioral plans that will be used to support the student.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Obiageli Orah, the director of public affairs and consumer protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, told Newsflare the passenger repeatedly failed to comply with safety instructions.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The letter requested an extension of the discovery deadline to accommodate Swift’s schedule.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The band has requested that a judge ensure that all marketing materials associated with the allegedly infringing products be recalled and removed.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ahead of Kirk's visit to Utah Valley University, some students started an online petition asking university administrators to stop him from coming.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • When asked by a reporter for more details about how Trump planned to ban mail-in ballots, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the administration planned to work with Republicans on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The edict is also risky, potentially giving viewers the sense that Brennan is less able to question or challenge her guests — one of the main elements of TV’s Sunday political shows that bring viewers to them in the first place.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ever since, as the Taliban returned to power, once again issuing edicts to suppress women and girls, the clinic and its 34-year-old midwife Atifa have continued to provide a lifeline for mothers and young children.
    Elise Blanchard, Time, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That may require surgical correction.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maintaining the federalized police force beyond 30 days, however, would have required action from Congress.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Mother Monster took home the artist of the year award, best collaboration, best direction, and best art direction at the MTV Video Music Awards, which took place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
    Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Once the band reaches your chest, slowly reverse the direction, keeping your elbows straight.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Employees were not subjected to random pat searches despite a clear BOP directive.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The directive does not have an expiration date.
    Connor Greene, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dictate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictate. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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