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GRE vocabulary

decree

nounHigh-frequency wordMore D words

an official order issued by a legal authority that has the force of law

Word origin: From Latin decretum, a thing decided, from decernere, to decide.

In a sentence

Decree in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing decree in a sentence.

The monarch issued a decree banning the import of foreign grain during the famine.

By royal decree, the new tax took effect immediately and applied to every province alike.

Synonyms
Antonyms
suggestionrequestpetition
Usage & nuance

Using “decree” well

A decree is an authoritative order with the force of law, pairing with edict and mandate. It is binding, unlike a request or petition, which merely ask.

Common questions

Questions about “decree

Decree (noun) means an official order issued by a legal authority that has the force of law
Here is decree used in an example sentence: "The monarch issued a decree banning the import of foreign grain during the famine." Another example: "By royal decree, the new tax took effect immediately and applied to every province alike."
Common synonyms for decree include edict, mandate, proclamation, ordinance.
Antonyms of decree include suggestion, request, petition.
Clusters with edict, mandate, proclamation, and ordinance in Sentence Equivalence. Antonyms suggestion, request, and petition describe nonbinding appeals.
Yes. Decree is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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