dictate
verb (used with object)
to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record.
dictating
-
present participleof dictate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Two years of dictating that everyone commute into work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays was hurting the morale as well as the productivity of many.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026
Some communities have strong cultural traditions dictating who should fill the caretaker role — in many cases, that’s the eldest daughter.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
Barcelona's Busquets was a revelation in the 2010 World Cup alongside stalwart Alonso in central midfield, together breaking up play and dictating games in front of the Spain backline.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
Perhaps most ambitiously, fans will want to integrate the worlds of gamification, digital technology and video streaming to create their own reality, dictating what teams, venues and even eras are featured on their screen.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
He was used to dictating to grown men.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
