martial law

noun

Definition of martial lawnext
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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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 martial law Kim, already sentenced to four years in a separate bribery and stock-manipulation case, faces prosecution alongside ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol as South Korea probes his martial law rule and political allies. — Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Liberal President Lee Jae Myung, who won an early presidential election last year to replace Yoon, has authorized multiple investigations into Yoon’s martial law imposition and other allegations involving his government and wife. — ABC News, 26 June 2026 In late 2022, the Kremlin declared martial law in several areas along the border of Ukraine, which allows the government to seize property, restrict movement, limit public gatherings, detain foreigners and forcibly relocate residents, according to the State Department. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 People walk past the Korea Exchange (KRX) building, as stock markets in Asia as a whole have been affected by the intensifying political turmoil over president Yoon Suk Yeol's role in martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, on 9 December, 2024. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
  1. law
  2. common law
  3. ordinance
  4. legislation
  5. constitution
Noun
  • Beginning Monday, the focus shifts to whether there is enough evidence for a trial and if the death penalty is warranted, said Paul Cassell, a University of Utah law professor and former federal judge.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • The Law Commission has argued that the common law is sufficiently flexible to recognise a distinct category of personal property capable of accommodating crypto-tokens and other digital assets and has recommended legislation to remove any uncertainty.
    — Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Facial recognition is an increasingly common law enforcement tool, with public databases holding images of 117 million Americans, according to the Center on Privacy and Technology at Georgetown Law School.
    — Alyssa Spady, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Definition of common law
Noun
  • Officers could be subject to civil and criminal penalties under the ordinance.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • In January 2025, a federal judge ruled that portion of the ordinance overburdens free speech rights by prohibiting anyone from providing any lecture in any San Diego public park or beach.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • The controversial legislation stalled in committee last year.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • This 12-jurist body oversees the activities of Iran’s parliament, determining if laws passed are compatible with sharia and can demand that legislation be revised.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of legislation
Noun
  • Under Venezuela’s constitution, temporary absences are to be filled by the vice president — which was Rodríguez’s former role — for up to 90 days, after which they can be extended by the national assembly for an additional 90 days.
    — Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • In 2023, the New Mexico Supreme Court struck down this misguided rule, thereby restoring the public’s stream-access rights enshrined in the state constitution.
    — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
Definition of constitution

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martial
martial law
martinet
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Cite this Entry

“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on martial law

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about martial law

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