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
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Recent Examples of behest
The truck broke down off of Interstate 95 in January 2025, but the burgeoning football star refused to part with the vehicle—even at the behest of his high school football coach, The Washington Post reported.
—
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
The board's nine members would serve at the mayor's behest, and charter and traditional public schools would each be guaranteed three representatives.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026
That’s because the package only funds the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks, through Feb 13, at the behest of Democrats who are demanding more restrictions on immigration enforcement after the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis.
—Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
The name of the hall was quietly changed last fall to the Miller Family Theater at Jacobs Music Center, following a generous behest to the symphony by donors who do not want their full names disclosed or publicized.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behest
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
The board's nine members would serve at the mayor's behest, and charter and traditional public schools would each be guaranteed three representatives.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026
That’s because the package only funds the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks, through Feb 13, at the behest of Democrats who are demanding more restrictions on immigration enforcement after the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis.
—Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
The name of the hall was quietly changed last fall to the Miller Family Theater at Jacobs Music Center, following a generous behest to the symphony by donors who do not want their full names disclosed or publicized.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behest
Noun
-
Covid-19 bred doubt about government edicts and skepticism about science, provoking an existential battle for truth.—
Richard Edelman,
Time,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Trump edicts weigh on stocks this week Geopolitical risks have weighed on investor sentiment this week.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The lack of communication instructions led family members to make video appeals to any abductors in consultation with the FBI, with Savannah Guthrie urging anyone holding her for firm proof her mother was alive.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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How many times after making a mistake does Romero ignore tactical instructions and charge up the pitch in desperation to score a goal or wipe out an opponent?—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The dolls are now available for pre-order on American Girl's website and are expected to ship on Friday, May 1.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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Combined, the two mission task orders had an original contract value of $337 million.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Maybe that school of thought will change if the line on the chart below continues to move in an upward direction.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The threat to these businesses came from an unexpected direction.—
Peyton Forte,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Los Angeles police officers must turn on their body cameras at the scene of federal immigration enforcement operations and preserve the footage, according to an executive directive issued by Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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In any case, why has the flag come down now, weeks after the directive was first issued?—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The American Civil Liberties Union sued, and a judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the state-level crimes.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Feb. 2026
-
San Jose is seeking an injunction against the owners of a Willow Glen hookah lounge where a man was fatally shot in December, accusing the business of illegally operating and creating a public nuisance.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Behest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behest. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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