BEHEST Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

behest

noun

bi-ˈhest

Definition of behest next

as in edict

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned I only made the change at the author's behest

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of behest To be fair, things start promisingly enough, instantly raising the pulses with a dramatic seabound scene where Claflin’s dashing sailor Edmond Dantès — at the behest of his dying captain — must navigate their ship through a violent storm. —

Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026 Notably in 2011, the first deployment of the GCC’s Peninsula Shield Force to Bahrain, with Saudi and UAE forces entering the kingdom at the behest of the government, seemed to go off without a hitch. —

Hadley Gamble, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026 Doherty began working at Reason in 1994, according to the publication’s obituary, left the company and returned in 2000 at the behest of Nick Gillespie, then editor in chief. —

Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 Judge Michael Kalil informed her that the state had filed an emergency petition at the hospital’s behest — not out of concern for Doyley, per se, but in the interest of her unborn child. —

CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for behest

Noun

But that edict died with him, Vaez said.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
Like most of her peers, Agnes follows her country’s various repressive edicts directed toward young women.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026