ENGLISH
REFERENCE

decrees

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //dɪˈkɹiz// UK //dɪkɹˈiːz// de·crees

n. official orders or laws made by a person or group in power. They are usually final and must be followed immediately.

n. official orders or edicts issued by a legal or government authority. Often carries the force of law without requiring a legislative vote.


SIMPLE

The king issued several new decrees this morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The president began ruling by decrees after the parliament failed to agree on a new national budget.

COMPLEX

Historians argue that these royal decrees were essential for maintaining order during the transition, though they were often criticized for being overly harsh and restrictive.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural when referring to a series of legal or executive actions.

© 2026 English Reference