as in principle
formal
a statement or well-known remark that expresses an important idea, observation, or opinion
A doctor must follow the dictum of "First, do no harm."
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Recent Examples of dictum
The dictum is Beijing’s most substantive retaliation yet to Sanae Takaichi’s remarks.
—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
15 Nov. 2025
But today the dictum applies to Israel, as well.
—
Richard Haass,
Foreign Affairs,
3 Sep. 2025
Not that Wolfe’s dictum was totally off the mark.
—
David McGrath,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
This dictum—to honor and to applaud—brought me to Charleston this past December.
—
Latria Graham,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for dictum
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
15 Nov. 2025
But today the dictum applies to Israel, as well.
—
Richard Haass,
Foreign Affairs,
3 Sep. 2025
Not that Wolfe’s dictum was totally off the mark.
—
David McGrath,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
This dictum—to honor and to applaud—brought me to Charleston this past December.
—
Latria Graham,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for dictum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictum
Noun
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Trump sought to limit the long-standing constitutional principle – enshrined in the 14th Amendment in 1868 and upheld by the Supreme Court in 1898 – that those born in the United States are citizens.
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None of these principles require expensive infrastructure additions.
Noun
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In the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, which borders Crimea, another video shows a man filling up a container in the back of his car while two women berate him for breaking the rules.
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The Marlins tacked on two runs in the second on Lopez’s ground-rule double and Hicks’ sacrifice fly.
Noun
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Organizations often invest in sophisticated detection and mitigation systems but fail to develop the doctrine, confidence and authority structures required to use them effectively.
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The clock seemed to rewind 1,400 years as tenets established at the religion’s dawn—Sharia law—were formalized into the doctrine of Velayat-e Faqih, the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist.
Noun
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But whether that axiom applies to the quadrennial World Cup tournament is a different question.
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Furthermore, this equality isn’t just a formal, mathematical axiom.
Noun
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Beginning Monday, the focus shifts to whether there is enough evidence for a trial and if the death penalty is warranted, said Paul Cassell, a University of Utah law professor and former federal judge.
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And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
Noun
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Dominic Canzone and Randy Arozarena walked to load the bases with one out before Josh Naylor struck out swinging.
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The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) evaluates transgender student participation on a case-by-case basis, generally supporting inclusion while lacking a statewide legislative ban.
Noun
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That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim.
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But that’s the world’s most popular game in 2026, intent on testing the old coaching maxim that failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Cite this Entry
“Dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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