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 There are no Texas wide or Tarrant County ordinances regarding dumpster diving in Fort Worth. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2025 Enforcement in other cities, and in the Del Mar ordinance, include a diversion program that allows first-time violators to take an online safety course. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 Commissioner Steve Geller, who sponsored the new ordinance, called the new measure a matter of public safety and environmental responsibility. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025 What To Know The city said the ordinance was introduced after residents raised concerns about excessive noise and waste caused by a high number of pets in some neighborhoods. —Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 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
  • The memo signed by Rubio also makes the case that another person, whose name is redacted, should be deportable under the same law.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • This relic of constitutional law, which the Supreme Court hasn’t taken seriously since its quiet death in the New Deal era, is more mythical than historical—holding, more or less, that Congress cannot delegate its lawmaking power to another branch of government.
    — Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Monkeys were introduced for the 1904 season and a popular touring act called the High Diving Elks, which featured elks trained to jump from heights of more than 20 feet into a water tank.
    — Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In a world wired for hustle, that choice becomes a radical act of self-respect.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • But the bills have changed the rhetorical landscape.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But these days the church is in disrepair and has been closed for two years because the gas bill could not be paid and the heat turned off.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Critics of the law and the new constitutional amendment say Orban is using the LGBTQ+ community as a tool to shut down the right of Hungarian citizens to freely assemble in peaceful protests, particularly at a time when the opposition to Orban's rule is beginning to gain momentum.
    — Rob Schmitz, NPR, 20 Apr. 2025
  • One of the most glaring issues with the 2025 amendments is the focus on limiting state financial liability rather than addressing how abuse occurred within state institutions in the first place.
    — Diana Philip, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of amendment
Noun
  • However, Section 557 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025 amended the statutes defining the agreement signed by new midshipmen and cadets attending a military service academy and their resulting service obligations.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Florida statutes require enforcement agencies in charge of county jails to be enrolled in 287(g) programs.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of statute
Noun
  • Lawmakers in Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia are currently considering such legislation.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In response, a group of Senators have introduced bipartisan legislation to reign in presidential power on tariffs.
    — Ana Perez, NPR, 9 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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