ordinance

noun

ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s How to pronounce ordinance (audio)
Definition of ordinancenext
as in law
a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ordinance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of ordinance are canon, law, precept, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

When can canon be used instead of ordinance?

The words canon and ordinance can be used in similar contexts, but canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

In what contexts can law take the place of ordinance?

The meanings of law and ordinance largely overlap; however, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

When is precept a more appropriate choice than ordinance?

While in some cases nearly identical to ordinance, precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

Where would regulation be a reasonable alternative to ordinance?

While the synonyms regulation and ordinance are close in meaning, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When might rule be a better fit than ordinance?

The synonyms rule and ordinance are sometimes interchangeable, but rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When could statute be used to replace ordinance?

The words statute and ordinance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ordinance The ordinance prevents shoppers from bringing their own alcohol to the promenade, requiring businesses to provide wristbands to show that beverages were purchased in the entertainment zone. —James Powel, USA Today, 16 May 2025 In the months that followed, Humboldt, Monterey, and several municipalities passed ordinances authorizing cultivation in excess of one acre. —Robert Hoban, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 The city has two ordinances that are intended to prevent such encampments on public property. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2025 However , this year’s deadline was pushed to June per an ordinance signed by county executive Frank White Jr. on April 7. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordinance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance
  1. law
  2. act
  3. bill
  4. amendment
  5. statute
  6. legislation
Noun
  • Earlier this month, Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to the University of Notre Dame claiming its DEI policies may violate state and federal law.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Asian Americans’ outrage over a judge’s leniency in the case — the assailants received $3,000 fines and no jail time — sparked a surge of activism seeking tougher hate crime laws nationwide.
    — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 31 May 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • In this eerie tale about fear, lust, and female empowerment, the real question becomes whether this is an act of witchcraft—or a witch hunt.
    — Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025
  • The first act unrolls the settings and characters that dominate Mahnaz’s life and work.
    — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • As murder defendant Karen Read rounds the corner on the halfway point of her second trial, the crippling weight of unpaid legal bills could be alleviated by an unlikely source: online crowdfunding.
    — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
  • The bill passed unanimously out of committee and is presently awaiting further action in the state Senate.
    — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • It is now headed to the Senate for consideration, with amendments likely.
    — Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
  • Over the past week, the Budget committee released a draft and a chairman’s amendment as the bill went through markup.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of amendment
Noun
  • Wrote the court: The State’s establishment of a religious charter school violates Oklahoma statutes Oklahoma Constitution, and the Establishment Clause.
    — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Another state statute regarding contractors also restricts the city’s ability to impose wage regulations on companies providing services under contract, Fox said.
    — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025
Definition of statute
Noun
  • Flood defended the legislation as necessary to avoid a tax increase at the end of the year, when the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expires, and the changes to Medicaid as reasonable reforms that will help protect benefits for deserving recipients in the long term.
    — Riley Beggin, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • That’s essentially what many Democrat colleagues want to happen in this legislation.
    — Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
Definition of legislation

Browse Nearby Words

orders
ordinance
ordinances
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Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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