dictate
verb (used with object)
to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record.
have dictated
-
present perfectof dictate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
"Circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick's control have dictated that, sadly, it's made it impossible for us to continue our representation of Nick," he said.
From Barron's ● Feb. 23, 2026
For decades, weather and school calendars have dictated when families travel.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2025
The CFTC's complaint said that Binance personnel, including Zhao, have "dictated Binance.US's corporate strategy, launch, and early operations."
From Reuters ● Mar. 29, 2023
"Our working assumption is resources have dictated the decision-making processes and put bureaucracy in the way of early intervention."
From BBC ● Jan. 9, 2022
My father affected Americans—black and white—in untold measure and not always in ways as definitive as census charts and polls have dictated.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
