Decree — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /di-ˈkrē/ de·cree

Meaning & Definition of Decree

Decree (noun)

  1. an order usually having the force of law
  2. a religious ordinance enacted by council or titular head
  3. a foreordaining will

Decree (verb)

  1. to command or enjoin by or as if by decree
  2. to determine or order judicially
  3. ordain

Decree (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

    "the boss doesn't give out many decrees, but he does expect those that are issued to be fully obeyed"

    similar: behest, charge, command, commandment, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word
    related: demand, requirement, mandate, countermand, counterorder, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, ordinance, regulation, statute
    near: appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion

  2. an order publicly issued by an authority

    "a decree issued by the state's supreme court to the legislature"

    similar: bull, diktat, directive, edict, fiat, rescript, ruling, ukase
    related: call, conclusion, decision, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict, announcement, declaration, dictum, manifesto, proclamation, pronouncement, canon, encyclical

Decree (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority

    "the new supervisor decreed that thenceforth coffee breaks would have a 15-minute limit"

    similar: call, command, dictate, direct, mandate, ordain, order, call for
    related: ask, petition, request, demand, require
    near: cancel, countermand, rescind

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Decree

The most common words with a similar meaning to Decree:

behest, charge, command, commandment, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word, bull, diktat, fiat, rescript, ruling, ukase, call, direct, mandate, ordain, call for

Related Words for Decree

demand, requirement, countermand, counterorder, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, ordinance, regulation, statute, conclusion, decision, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict, announcement, declaration, dictum, manifesto, proclamation, pronouncement, canon, encyclical, ask

Near Antonyms of Decree

appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion, cancel, countermand, rescind

Word Forms of Decree

Inflections: decreed, decreeing

Derived words: decreer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Decree

Middle English, from Anglo-French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide, from de- + cernere to sift, decide certain

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Decree

  • Topics: Law, Politics & Society

Words & Phrases Containing Decree

decree-law, consent decree, by decree, papal decree, royal decree

Frequently Asked Questions about Decree

What does "Decree" mean?

"Decree" means an order usually having the force of law. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: an order usually having the force of law. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Decree"?

Other words for "Decree" include behest, charge, command, commandment, dictate, direction, directive and do. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Decree" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Decree"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Decree". Common alternatives include behest, charge, command, commandment, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict and imperative.

How do you use "Decree" in a sentence?

Examples of "Decree" in a sentence: "the boss doesn't give out many decrees, but he does expect those that are issued to be fully obeyed"; "a decree issued by the state's supreme court to the legislature"; "the new supervisor decreed that thenceforth coffee breaks would have a 15-minute limit".

Is "Decree" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Decree" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Decree"?

"Decree" is pronounced /di-ˈkrē/ and divided into syllables as de·cree.

What is the origin of the word "Decree"?

"Decree" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide, from de- + cernere to sift, decide certain. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Decree" meaning "a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned"?

When "Decree" (noun) means a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned, synonyms include behest, charge, command, commandment, dictate and direction.