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Definitions

dictate

[dik-teyt, dik-teyt, dik-teyt] / ˈdɪk teɪt, dɪkˈteɪt, ˈdɪk teɪt /






Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We anticipate more of these bouts of bravado to dictate the region for a while as both sides claim they are winning and neither is willing to be seen as disadvantaged,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

Tyler is one of those conversation-piece characters—think Godot in “Waiting for Godot,” Sonny Jim in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and the men in “The Women”—who never appear, yet dictate the plot.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

I couldn’t dictate it beyond my initial outline thoughts, because I find that I can’t replicate my best writing voice while speaking into a phone or computer.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

“We don’t dictate, and we don’t dictate around politics or any other particular issues around books,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Since I’m letting the universe dictate my life on this Final Day of Childhood, I don’t bother waiting for another train to take me to Thirty-Fourth Street.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon




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