variants
also dictums
as in doctrines
formal
a statement or well-known remark that expresses an important idea, observation, or opinion
A doctor must follow the dictum of "First, do no harm."
Related Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dicta
Noun
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When citizens insist on shaping the basic terms of social life by appealing to premises that others cannot reasonably be expected to accept—revelation, doctrines of transcendence, private moral visions—the result is not a purer politics but a dangerously brittle one.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026 -
This theology leaves little room for the restraint that characterized earlier security doctrines.—
Arie Perliger,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The back-to-back resignations and investigations, spanning both parties and both the legislative and executive branches, have reignited a debate about whether Washington’s rules and institutions for self-oversight can keep pace with the misconduct unfolding within it.—
Ana Ceballos
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Confirm whether the rules apply to all classes of e-bikes as some areas also have stricter laws for the faster (class 3) e-bikes.—
Dr. Phyllis Agran,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The project’s financing dictates that the market-rate tower has separate ownership from the affordable segment, Kingston said.—
Nick Wooten,
Dallas Morning News,
2 Apr. 2026
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This cut comes with dictates—jaw-length or shorter, most often paired with bangs—but also leaves room for personalized play.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His preference would be to find simpler axioms for quantum mechanics — intuitive principles that would let theorists re-derive the theory in a new form altogether.—
Daniel Garisto,
Quanta Magazine,
7 Nov. 2025
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In other words, as Cleveland tore through the league last season, the players responded to most of the milestones reached with a collective shrug and worn axioms about nothing mattering until the playoffs.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The indictment also charges Meade and West each with one count of conspiracy to obstruct and defeat the Internal Revenue Service, five counts of attempts to interfere with administration of internal revenue laws and seven counts of aiding or assisting the filing of false documents, officials said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
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The humbling end to a mercifully brief career should be a warning to anyone else who might try to get elected by brazenly flouting the disclosure laws.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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By now, decades into Americans’ pursuit of cooking as a mainstream hobby, certain maxims have become near-law among food lovers.—
Emily Heil,
Washington Post,
25 Mar. 2026
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Maybe anyone planning long journeys should take those maxims as advice anyhow.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some models feature replaceable blades, like the Milk Street Kitchen Precision peeler, which retails for $30, but by peeler standards that’s high.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
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Accessibility The hotel is fully compliant with ADA standards, and has five accessible Deluxe rooms designed to accommodate guests with limited mobility and disabilities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dicta.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dicta. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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