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 In addition to an outright ban of the controversial private surveillance systems, the ordinance called for new measures to preserve the city’s data sovereignty and set controls on how data from CCTV cameras in the city can be accessed. — Noah Daly september 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026 The bill would also allow local governments to set speed limits on bicycle paths and multiuse trails, which can already be established by local ordinances. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Capifali also helped administer the city’s regulation of hemp products under Johnson, who vetoed an ordinance that would outright ban those sales. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 For those who do not receive an OKC Utilities bill, such as residents of multi-housing units, the City ordinance requires property managers to notify residents in writing if the property is covered by the EMSAcare program. — Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordinance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance

Noun

Bonta, New York's Attorney General Letitia James, and 14 other state attorneys filed a lawsuit against TikTok in 2024 for violating consumer protection laws.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Courts in Texas, Louisiana and elsewhere aren’t bound by 10th Circuit precedent and can reach different or even opposite decisions on the exact same questions of law.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Here below, France’s own long-drink-of-water goalie Robin Risser does his best Beckham follow-on act with a stately Louis Vuitton carry-all with their trademark leather trim at the stress points.

— Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of act

Noun

Therefore, how much of the impact caused by El Niño will ultimately translate into the bills handed to consumers remains to be seen.

— , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Watching the Lilith documentary and hearing about how two women can be played back-to-back on a radio or two women can be on a festival bill.

— Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of bill

Noun

The Public Advocates Office, the independent consumer advocate at the Public Utilities Commission, said recent amendments to the bill did not address its concerns about shifting costs from one group of ratepayers to another.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Apply Amendments If the results of the soil sample indicate the need for amendments, they should be applied before reseeding.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of amendment

Noun

The habeas statute directs judges to give the government three days to initially respond with justification for the detention but allows for that deadline to be extended up to 20 days.

— Carla Astudillo, ProPublica, 3 Sep. 2026
Jacoski acknowledged that the convention statute has always allowed for removal of a person to a safe third country.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of statute

Noun

Congress also faces fall deadlines for transportation legislation and a farm bill.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
The tote got a further leg up in the 21st century, when an increasingly casual office culture began to leave the briefcase behind, and heightened environmental concerns (and at times, legislation) prompted shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.

— Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of legislation

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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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordinance

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