1
: an order usually having the force of law
a judicial decree
by royal decree
2
b
: a foreordaining will
God's decree
3
a
: a judicial decision of the Roman emperor
b
: a judicial decision especially in an equity (see equity sense 3a) court or probate court
decreed; decreeing
2
: to determine or order judicially
decree a punishment
Examples of decree in a Sentence
Noun
The President issued a decree making the day a national holiday.
Their marriage was annulled by judicial decree.
Verb
The government decreed a national holiday.
The change was decreed by the President.
The City Council has decreed that all dogs must be kept on a leash.
Recent Examples on the Web
Shreyas Teegala, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
In 2022, the war’s early months, Zelenskyy repeatedly called for a personal meeting with the Russian president but was rebuffed, and eventually enacted a decree declaring that holding negotiations with Putin had become impossible.
—Samya Kullab, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025
EW.com, 16 June 2025
Last year, a Montana court decreed that the Montana state government was required to act to reduce emissions in the state because the state’s atmosphere was held in public trust.
—Josiah Neeley, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decree
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Noun
The landscape was further muddled by the CDC announcing that the Covid-19 vaccines would remain on the childhood immunization schedule, contradicting RFK Jr.’s decree.
—Shreyas Teegala, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
In 2022, the war’s early months, Zelenskyy repeatedly called for a personal meeting with the Russian president but was rebuffed, and eventually enacted a decree declaring that holding negotiations with Putin had become impossible.
—Samya Kullab, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025
Verb
In the final season of Cobra Kai, Sekai Taikai boss Gunther Braun (played by Carsten Norgaard) decrees the tournament will be fought on red mats once again — but this time, Johnny comes out the victor.
—EW.com, 16 June 2025
Last year, a Montana court decreed that the Montana state government was required to act to reduce emissions in the state because the state’s atmosphere was held in public trust.
—Josiah Neeley, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decree
Cite this Entry
“Decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decree. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decree
1 of 2 noun
de·cree
di-ˈkrē 
: an order or decision given by one in authority
decree
2 of 2 verb
decreed; decreeing
: to command or order by decree
Legal Definition
decree
noun
de·cree
di-ˈkrē
1
: an order having the force of law
by judicial decree
2
: a judicial decision especially in an equity or probate court
—
consent decree
: a decree entered by a court that is determined by the parties' agreement : a settlement between the parties that is subject to judicial approval and supervision
specifically
: such a decree by which the accused agrees to cease alleged illegal activities without admitting guilt
—
decree nisi
decrees nisi
: a provisional decree that will become final unless cause is shown why it should not
Note: Some states grant divorces using decrees nisi. The decree nisi creates a time period (as of 3 months) allowing for possible reconciliation or for completion of various arrangements (as custody).
—
decree pro confesso
: a decree entered by a court based on a defendant's default and the presumption that the allegations are confessed compare default judgment at judgment sense 1a
—
final decree
: a decree that disposes of an action by determining all matters in dispute including especially the parties' rights compare final judgment at judgment sense 1a
—
interlocutory decree
: a decree that is made during the course of an action and that does not settle all matters in dispute
decree
verb
Etymology
Noun
Old French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide
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