dictate
verb (used with object)
to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record.
dictates
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pluralof dictate.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof dictate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
dictateverb (used with object)to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record.
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 9th Circuit judges in Friday’s opinion said that “this clause expressly dictates which sovereign has the authority to prescribe the manner in which congressional elections are conducted.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
However, she acknowledged, “the reality is the White House is the one that dictates enforcement.”
From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2026
The agreement dictates that any conflict between the company and the United States must be settled under U.S. law, not Venezuela’s.
From Salon ● Oct. 23, 2026
“The market dictates the price,” Espino de Marotta said in an interview.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026
It is only September and it is still hot in Paintbrush Falls, even if we are pretty far north, but Killer Man has decided, I guess, that the season dictates gray flannel.
From "The Misfits" by James Howe
