1
: an order usually having the force of law
a judicial decree
by royal decree
2
b
: a foreordaining will
God's decree
3
a
: a judicial decision of the Roman emperor
b
: a judicial decision especially in an equity (see equity sense 3a) court or probate court
decreed; decreeing
2
: to determine or order judicially
decree a punishment
Synonyms
Examples of decree in a Sentence
Noun
The President issued a decree making the day a national holiday.
Their marriage was annulled by judicial decree.
Verb
The government decreed a national holiday.
The change was decreed by the President.
The City Council has decreed that all dogs must be kept on a leash.
Recent Examples on the Web
Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The decree applies in an area of some two square miles that includes landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and Tuileries Gardens.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Otherwise, the elusive Scorpio will deflect, disappear, and decree the observer who paid uninvited notice to be incredibly rude.
—Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decree 
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Noun
The decree requires voters to select only one candidate for the two at-large Governing Board seats in the district.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The decree applies in an area of some two square miles that includes landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and Tuileries Gardens.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
As decreed by Bill Skarsgård's villainous Marquis de Gramont, the Continental was blown up and Winston's friend and second in command, Charon, was executed.
—EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Otherwise, the elusive Scorpio will deflect, disappear, and decree the observer who paid uninvited notice to be incredibly rude.
—Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decree
Dictionary Entries Near decree
Cite this Entry
“Decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decree. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decree
1 of 2 noun
de·cree
di-ˈkrē 
: an order or decision given by one in authority
decree
2 of 2 verb
decreed; decreeing
: to command or order by decree
Legal Definition
decree
noun
de·cree
di-ˈkrē
1
: an order having the force of law
by judicial decree
2
: a judicial decision especially in an equity or probate court
—
consent decree
: a decree entered by a court that is determined by the parties' agreement : a settlement between the parties that is subject to judicial approval and supervision
specifically
: such a decree by which the accused agrees to cease alleged illegal activities without admitting guilt
—
decree nisi
decrees nisi
: a provisional decree that will become final unless cause is shown why it should not
Note: Some states grant divorces using decrees nisi. The decree nisi creates a time period (as of 3 months) allowing for possible reconciliation or for completion of various arrangements (as custody).
—
decree pro confesso
: a decree entered by a court based on a defendant's default and the presumption that the allegations are confessed compare default judgment at judgment sense 1a
—
final decree
: a decree that disposes of an action by determining all matters in dispute including especially the parties' rights compare final judgment at judgment sense 1a
—
interlocutory decree
: a decree that is made during the course of an action and that does not settle all matters in dispute
decree
verb
Etymology
Noun
Old French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide
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