as in edict
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned
I only made the change at the author's behest
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of behest
At the behest of President Trump, Musk and his DOGE team, many of whom are young men with little to no experience, have been poking around federal systems, ostensibly in search of fraud and abuse.
—
Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 12 Feb. 2025
Even the rental building in the complex got stripped of its lettering at the tenants’ behest.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 29 Jan. 2025
McClain would repeatedly refer people for ComEd jobs at Madigan’s behest.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
At the behest of Holmes’ will, Watson returns to Pittsburgh to open the Holmes Clinic in the city’s largest hospital.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for behest 
Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 12 Feb. 2025
Even the rental building in the complex got stripped of its lettering at the tenants’ behest.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 29 Jan. 2025
McClain would repeatedly refer people for ComEd jobs at Madigan’s behest.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
At the behest of Holmes’ will, Watson returns to Pittsburgh to open the Holmes Clinic in the city’s largest hospital.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for behest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behest
Noun
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As a result of Trump’s edicts, employees have been fired; websites have been removed; and scientific papers have been withdrawn.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN,
12 Feb. 2025
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However, on January 28, shortly before the memo’s edicts were set to take effect, U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan issued a stay on the funding freeze.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In the Fort Worth Independent School District and across Texas, conversations about literacy instruction have largely focused on the early grades.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Feb. 2025
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The instructions said the test would take 20 minutes and require a pack of lancets.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In turn, Israel has accused Hamas of not respecting the order in which the hostages were to be released and of orchestrating abusive public displays before large crowds when they have been handed over to the Red Cross.—
James Mackenzie, Emily Rose,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
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Trump's Sweeping Anti-Trans Executive Order Explained The president signed the sweeping order within hours of taking office, signaling that curtailing the rights of trans people is a top priority for his administration.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The refiners are given very unconventional directions to the cave.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2025
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Only a less delusional motivation, a larger conception of self-interest, can move the world in a less delusional direction.—
Winslow Myers,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The flurry of changes triggered by the directive has led to the erasure of articles featuring NASA astronomers from underrepresented communities that the agency published in years past, like this one.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
11 Feb. 2025
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However, this new directive jeopardizes programs aimed at trans students, such as support for homeless students and school mental health assistance.—
Abby Monteil,
Them,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While a full repeal is unlikely, Congress could codify clearer standards for which decisions are subject to environmental reviews, establish uniform procedures, and define the extent of judicial review, including placing limits on judicial injunctions.—
James Broughel,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
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Judge Jackson will hold a hearing on February 26 at 10:00am to consider imposing a preliminary injunction.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Behest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behest. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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