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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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 But in the wake of the AIDS epidemic, and the disappearance of many urban cruising grounds in response to health ordinances and gentrification, an in-person practice shifted online. —Emily Witt, New Yorker, 24 July 2025 Residents are reminded that city ordinance states pets are not to be outside unsupervised when the temperature is over 90 degrees or a heat advisory is in effect. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025 On July 8, the City Council unanimously approved updates to the city’s multifamily ordinance outlining property inspections and property registration requirements. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2025 City leaders are considering changes to the city's curfew ordinance to further combat crime. —David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 23 July 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
  • Tuscaloosa's first brewpub, opening after Alabama passed a 2009 gourmet beer law, spotlights musicians, writers and other artists in its Moon Room, serves stylized pub food with indoor-outdoor dining and offers classic pinball, video and board games inside.
    — Susan Stapleton, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
  • In 1965: In a landmark moment for health care, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed amendments to the Social Securities Act of 1935 into law, creating two federal health programs: Medicare and Medicaid.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Sometimes, a performer sings and manipulates the puppet, but groups can perform, with each member focusing on one piece of the act.
    — Ryan Garza, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • For Rollins to potentially allow his nemesis to achieve his dream of winning a world title, only to snatch it away moments later, would be a devastating and personal act of villainy.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • Wiener authored the 2022 bill that repealed a law that made loitering a misdemeanor.
    — Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2025
  • What to know about the 'Texas Time' bill There has been debate for years among Texans and state legislators about whether the Lone Star State should adopt daylight saving time permanently.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • That goal, however, is complicated by a constitutional amendment that requires an independent commission to lead the process.
    — Leah Askarinam, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • Like the League of Women Voters, Protect AR Rights is also proposing a constitutional amendment aiming to protect Arkansans' right to petition.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
Definition of amendment
Noun
  • Volunteers who skip the HOA approval process and act without board authority may be outside of the protections of both the statute and the insurance.
    — Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The suit alleges that the policy is unlawful and violates a federal statute that allows for members of Congress to conduct oversight of detention facilities run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without prior notice.
    — Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Definition of statute
Noun
  • Berrien was previously a member of the bipartisan group Democracy Found, which had other members testify for the legislation, including Greg Marcus, CEO of Marcus Corporation, which owns the movie theater chain.
    — Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
  • Pritzker is pushing for new legislation to hold down electricity supply costs, including expanding alternative energy sources that feed into the grid.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 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 6 Aug. 2025.

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