diktat
Non-negotiable command
A diktat is an order or decree imposed by someone in power, typically harsh and allowing no discussion or negotiation.
The word carries connotations of authoritarianism—a diktat comes from above and must be obeyed: The new policy felt like a diktat from headquarters.
It often implies resentment at the lack of consultation.
Authoritative official decree
- proclamationFormal public announcement
- ukaseAuthoritative imperial proclamation
- pronouncementFormal authoritative statement
- ordinanceOfficial government regulation
mandate · command · order · injunction · writ · rescript · bull · enactment
Unable to bend
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- unbendingRefusing to change position
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
- peremptoryAdmitting no contradiction
intransigent · adamant · stern · strict · unrelenting · implacable · dogmatic · absolute
Oppressive, absolute governance
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- autocracyRule by one
- totalitarianismState controls everything absolutely
- dominationSupreme authority held
subjugation · repression · strongman · junta · regime · despot · coercion · suppression
Cannot be altered
- unilateralAffecting one side only
- enforcementCompelling compliance with rules
- compulsionIrresistible urge to act
- burdenOppressive weight or duty
constraint · pressure · obligation · exaction · demand · requirement · ultimatum · take-it-or-leave-it
fiat
Authoritative official decree
- proclamationFormal public announcement
- ukaseAuthoritative imperial proclamation
- pronouncementFormal authoritative statement
ordinance · mandate · command · order · injunction · writ · rescript · bull · enactment · statute
rigid
Unable to bend
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- unbendingRefusing to change position
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
peremptory · intransigent · adamant · stern · strict · unrelenting · implacable · dogmatic · absolute · final
tyranny
Oppressive, absolute governance
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- autocracyRule by one
- totalitarianismState controls everything absolutely
domination · subjugation · repression · strongman · junta · regime · despot · coercion · suppression · censorship
nonnegotiable
Cannot be altered
- unilateralAffecting one side only
- enforcementCompelling compliance with rules
- compulsionIrresistible urge to act
burden · constraint · pressure · obligation · exaction · demand · requirement · ultimatum · take-it-or-leave-it · duress
- commandsgo, stop, wait, come, run
- royal decreesroyal decree, royal decrees, decree, decrees, royal edicts
- religious decreesfatwa, papal bull, papal decree, encyclical, decree
diktatcompromise
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
consensus · agreement · mutual agreement · negotiation · democratic process
predict, verdict, dictate, dictator, dictum, dictatorship, edict, dictates, dictated