obiter dictum

Definition of obiter dictumnext

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 obiter dictum Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania appellate court did not stop there, although what follows is no more than obiter dictum or, in English, just the non-precedential musings of the court. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obiter dictum
Noun
  • The center's analysis, however, showed that in recent years gas prices don't move the needle on presidential approval ratings as much as in the past.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In another sign that buyers may have the edge negotiating with sellers this spring, an analysis by Redfin estimates that there were about 46% more sellers than prospective buyers in the market nationally in February.
    Alex Veiga, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The pace of observation is furious, and even simple plot points are crosshatched with micro-incidents, asides, and gestures that overflow the boundaries of a screenplay and spill out into life at large.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • To even the score, Weir’s novel describes ammonia-breathing Rocky as smelling like cat pee, an aside the script politely omits.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Obiter dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obiter%20dictum. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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