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 In 2017, the Denver City Council passed an ordinance with similar limitations, including barring city employees from collecting information on people’s immigration status. —Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 8 May 2025 Or, in states that have established fetal personhood, officials might pass ordinances that could ensnare pregnant people in human trafficking charges. —Odette Yousef, NPR, 8 May 2025 Carter and the city council have called for giving the council the power to create various fine schedules for ordinance infractions, as other cities in the metro already do to varying degrees. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 6 May 2025 Tuesday’s press conference took place just hours after Miami-Dade commissioners voted to override Mayor Daniela Levine-Cava’s veto on a county ordinance banning fluoride in drinking water approved by commissioners last month. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 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
  • The Mahsa movement brought changes within society, but in Iran’s official cinema, which operates under the supervision of the government, censorship laws remain firmly in place.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • New laws in five states Others have followed Trump and Kennedy's lead.
    — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Brought in as a response to 66 fans losing their lives in a crush at Ibrox four years earlier, the act (known as the Green Guide) introduced a compulsory licensing system for grounds in the top two divisions.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
  • Balancing family and business is often framed as an impossible juggling act—one where something always has to give.
    — Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • According to the nonpartisan group Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Trump's agenda items and the GOP's priorities in the bill are estimated to cost more than $11 trillion over the next ten years, which Republicans are working to offset by cutting spending in other areas.
    — Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Just over a week later on May 6, the South Carolina House passed a bill that would put the state on track to having a flat 1.99% income tax rate, down from a 6.2% top rate today.
    — Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Birthright citizenship is a Constitutional right, clearly articulated in the 14th amendment.
    — Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • There is no language in the draft bill or the amendment that would further exempt Social Security from tax.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Definition of amendment
Noun
  • Some sites remained, protected by federal statutes, and others remained largely hidden from public view.
    — Kevin Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025
  • The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division review could determine whether the statute will stand or be blocked on constitutional grounds.
    — James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Definition of statute
Noun
  • The boards of directors of the AICPA and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) have approved the expansion of accountancy’s model legislation to include an additional path to CPA licensure.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The new legislation was signed into law by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on March 29 after being approved by the Utah State Senate in late February.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 17 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 21 May. 2025.

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