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 The South Apopka area was excluded from the original city limits by a 1937 ordinance. — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 The attorneys have also said the district court has no jurisdiction to enforce Keller’s city ordinances — that the city, as a home-rule municipality, has the sole authority to enact and enforce local laws. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 Furr, who leaves office in November, joined Commissioner Nan Rich in voting against both ordinances. — Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 Newsom last week signed Assembly Bill 2595, which allows San Mateo County to adopt a temporary ordinance prohibiting children younger than 12 from riding Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordinance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance

Noun

There is a precedent — this idea is an extension of one that is already law.

— Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Advertisement Some may hesitate to perform CPR because of legal concerns over causing injury—like rib fractures—while administering CPR, but every state has Good Samaritan laws providing protections to people who render emergency aid in good faith.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

People went through the admission and security checkpoints without issues, and the event’s early evening acts enjoyed mostly dry stages with light, intermittent rain.

— Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
To assure further compliance, Section 5 of the act required those states to get approval from the Justice Department or a court before making any changes to their electoral systems.

— Jeffrey Toobin, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of act

Noun

Noah Seelam | Afp | Getty Images Fund outflows and a rising energy bill are expected to keep putting pressure on India's rupee, even as the central bank works to slow depreciation.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Another bill, the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, would guarantee for the first time that every public-sector worker in the country has the right to bargain collectively.

— Liz Shuler, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of bill

Noun

The amendment would make no practical change to how North Carolinians vote, said Marcus Gadson, an associate professor of law at the UNC School of Government.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
For calendar-year companies, that means the 2026 audit is the first audit subject to those amendments.

— Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of amendment

Noun

Someone who has just been arrested for driving under the influence isn’t thinking about statutes, motions and legal procedure.

— Matthew Nigro, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
On the other hand, the fossil fuel industry contends the legislation would prevent states and environmental groups from weaponizing courts to stop projects for reasons beyond what is written in federal statutes.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of statute

Noun

Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Connecticut's legislation covers a broader range of retail purchases.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of legislation

Browse Nearby Words

orders

ordinance

ordinances

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“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordinance

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