dictates

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Protocol dictates that it is unconventional to touch a member of the royal family.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Passed by voters in 2018, the initiative dictates minimum space requirements for farm animals and—this is the clever part—forbids the sale of meat products that violate those standards in California.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Drivers say the fine print on the offers dictates which card they use and where they fill up gas, making it difficult for them to save money.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Conventional wisdom dictates that stocks usually take the escalator up, and the elevator down.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

“Over the years military planners have arrived at a rule of thumb which dictates that functional fighting units cannot be substantially larger than 200 men,” Dunbar writes.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell