Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun dictate

2 senses of dictate

Sense 1
dictate -- (an authoritative rule)
       => rule, prescript -- (prescribed guide for conduct or action)

Sense 2
dictate -- (a guiding principle; "the dictates of reason")
       => principle -- (a basic truth or law or assumption; "the principles of democracy")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb dictate

3 senses of dictate

Sense 1
order, prescribe, dictate -- (issue commands or orders for)
       => inflict, bring down, visit, impose -- (impose something unpleasant; "The principal visited his rage on the students")

Sense 2
dictate -- (say out loud for the purpose of recording; "He dictated a report to his secretary")
       => read -- (look at, interpret, and say out loud something that is written or printed; "The King will read the proclamation at noon")

Sense 3
dictate -- (rule as a dictator)
       => govern, rule -- (exercise authority over; as of nations; "Who is governing the country now?")