dictates

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.

The world governing body's standard policy dictates tickets are listed for resale or transferred to another individual rather than refunded, reserving the latter option for exceptional circumstances like match cancellations.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Tradition dictates that an MP is ceremonially held "hostage" in the palace to ensure the king's safe return.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

The U.K. government can deploy the king abroad to woo foreign governments, but convention dictates politicians cannot embarrass the monarch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“That’s exactly what we’re working on,” she said, referring to the ambassador’s anti-corruption dictates.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

“The Time Bureau dictates that we stay hidden. We cannot, under any circumstances, change things in the past. So you wouldn’t have seen any of my fellow travelers.”

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles