as in law
control of an area by military forces rather than by the police
The government has declared martial law throughout the city to stop the riots. an area placed under martial law
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Recent Examples of martial law
Despite such disagreements – a reflection of the country’s deep polarization – many South Koreans are simply thankful to put the instability of the martial law episode behind them.
—
Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025
But above all, Lee emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust, badly damaged by the martial law crisis – and punishing those responsible.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
The other two instances were in U.S. territories, in the Philippines during a 1905 rebellion and in Hawaii after Pearl Harbor, when the Territory of Hawaii was under martial law, but each time acting under congressional grant.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
The last declaration of martial law was made in May 1980 by the Chun Doo-hwan military junta, which sent special forces units to violently quash pro-democracy protests in the city of Gwangju.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025
But above all, Lee emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust, badly damaged by the martial law crisis – and punishing those responsible.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
The other two instances were in U.S. territories, in the Philippines during a 1905 rebellion and in Hawaii after Pearl Harbor, when the Territory of Hawaii was under martial law, but each time acting under congressional grant.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
The last declaration of martial law was made in May 1980 by the Chun Doo-hwan military junta, which sent special forces units to violently quash pro-democracy protests in the city of Gwangju.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
Noun
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Ohio's new law requires public school districts, charter schools and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools to ban students' use of cellphones in schools by Jan. 1, 2026.—
Jessie Balmert,
The Enquirer,
15 July 2025
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The Tennessee Court of Appeals struck a blow against the city on June 5 by ruling 2-1 that a state law that caps metropolitan councils at 20 members is constitutional.—
Evan Mealins,
The Tennessean,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Birthright citizenship has its origins in English common law and was enshrined in the U.S. Constitution through the 14th Amendment.—
Jay Weaver
July 10,
Miami Herald,
10 July 2025
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The common law right of publicity prevents individuals from evoking another’s identity for their own advantage, commercial or otherwise, Ochoa said.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Would a foreign government go to the trouble of financing opposition to a relatively minor change of ordinance in a county in the middle of the U.S.?—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
12 July 2025
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The legislature has scheduled a meeting that morning to override White’s expected veto of the ordinance.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Passed earlier this month, the legislation extends Trump's 2017 tax cuts and includes additional provisions that impact deductions, overtime pay, charitable giving, Medicaid and more.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
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The legislation will allocate funding for ICE to hire 10,000 additional agents, according to DHS.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Under Michigan's 1963 constitution, candidates for Michigan governor must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens and residents of Michigan who were registered to vote in Michigan for at least four years prior to the election.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
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There are three different constitutions, and at the Art of Living Retreat Center, guests can learn how to improve their diets and lifestyles based on them.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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