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 state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Colorado’s vehicle traction law already requires commercial vehicle drivers to use chains or other traction devices when winter conditions make roads slick.
    — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • During his set at the T-Mobile Mane Stage, Combs performed a stack set of hits and sprinkled his act with huge surprise guests: Bailey Zimmerman, Good Charlotte and lastly, Garth Brooks.
    — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
  • So tune in at those times to hear the DJs play such acts as MercyMe, Tauren Wells, Lauren Daigle and Chris Tomlin.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • Also still pending this year is a measure to memorialize Jan. 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and a bill that would require the state insurance plan to cover supplemental examinations, such as an MRI or ultrasound, when mammograms indicate questionable findings.
    — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
  • More: Could a GOP bill prevent some married women from voting?
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 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
  • Orlando Sentinel Defeating the marijuana amendment was a key political objective for DeSantis.
    — Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of amendment
Noun
  • When the fate of the Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s landmark health-care law, was before the Supreme Court, in 2012, Clement argued on behalf of twenty-six states that the statute was unconstitutional.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Other statutes written in that era, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (FHA), contained similar language.
    — The Editors, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of statute
Noun
  • What To Know Between 2007 and 2021, mortgage insurance premiums were tax deductible for these homebuyers, but the legislation expired in 2021.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Pointing out that draft legislation was not official legislation, the EU shied away from banning carbon fiber because of a lack of evidence, with counter-documentation coming from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Boeing, Airbus and Audi.
    — Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 22 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 1 May. 2025.

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