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 The San Diego City Council has 120 days from the March 24 release to adopt the maps by ordinance, Hypes said. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Trustees on April 3 voted 6-0 in favor of an ordinance rezoning the long-vacant 8-acre property for residential use and for the development of 20 two-story duplex homes—a total of 40 residences. —Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Weiss said the prohibition was part of the city’s liquor ordinance. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Weiss said the prohibition was part of the city’s liquor ordinance. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 8 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 memo signed by Rubio also makes the case that another person, whose name is redacted, should be deportable under the same law.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Landry, who signed the legislation into law in March 2024, appointed five new people to the seven-member board.
    — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Monkeys were introduced for the 1904 season and a popular touring act called the High Diving Elks, which featured elks trained to jump from heights of more than 20 feet into a water tank.
    — Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The American judicial system looks at individuals, parses guilt and innocence, separates leaders from followers and is at pains to ensure no one gets blamed for the acts of others.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • But these days the church is in disrepair and has been closed for two years because the gas bill could not be paid and the heat turned off.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The bill introduced by Warren and Stansbury faces an uncertain future on Capitol Hill.
    — Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • House lawmakers Friday approved amendments to House Bill 96, which allows government entities to display only certain flags, such as the official Idaho, U.S. and state flags.
    — Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2025
  • That limits debate and only gives opponents until April 2 to submit amendments.
    — Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of amendment
Noun
  • In particular, New York courts have found that state statutes that govern the internal operations of an LLC are trumped by New York law in turnover proceedings.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Florida statutes require enforcement agencies in charge of county jails to be enrolled in 287(g) programs.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of statute
Noun
  • Congress has also passed several pieces of legislation to give presidents significantly greater authority over trade and tariffs, including during national emergencies, in response to national security threats, and in the face of unfair trade practices.
    — Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The 2021 legislation’s passage hinged on that amendment, which was brokered by Lucio, the former lawmaker.
    — Saul Elbein, The Hill, 9 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 23 Apr. 2025.

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