Thesaurus results for ORDINANCE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ordinance

noun

ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s

Definition of ordinance

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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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 If passed, the ordinance will likely not have much resident support. — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026 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 City commissioners will vote on an ordinance updating the rules for the city’s Historic Preservation District, which Himmarshee Village is part of, at Thursday’s meeting. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordinance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance

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

At the time, the colonies were still under British rule, making the creation of a national flag a potentially dangerous act.

— Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.

— Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of act

Noun

Days after Miller shared details about the car accident, which occurred north of Joplin, Missouri, a GoFundMe was set up to pay for hospital bills.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
But the Republican budget bill incorporated cuts to food stamps — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP — that have driven some 4 million people off the program.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of bill

Noun

There's no realistic way that a constitutional amendment that controversial — which requires two-thirds approval from both chambers and three-fourths of the states to ratify — could pass in this Congress.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 7 July 2026
This proposed constitutional amendment was placed on the ballot by state lawmakers.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of amendment

Noun

The statute would ban federal officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.

— Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026

Definition of statute

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orders

ordinance

ordinances

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“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordinance

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