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 Landscaped or unpaved areas adjacent to bicycle paths would be off limits under this ordinance and the 15 mph speed limit on bike paths would be reinforced. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Salatas said the city’s stormwater ordinance requires new developments to not adversely impact neighboring properties by capturing stormwater runoff onsite. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Juana Gama with Chicago's Street Vendors Association says that he's been working for four years to modify the ordinance. — Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 It is not referenced in the Vermilion Parish code of ordinances. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordinance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance

Noun

Florida law imposes limits on direct contributions to state candidates but generally allows political committees to accept unlimited contributions, subject to applicable reporting and other legal requirements.

— Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
Twenty-seven states — including all where Republicans control both the legislature and governor’s office — already have such laws.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

Later, in 1711, the colony passed a legislative act to make reparations to the victims, including restoring the good names of the accused and paying financial retributions to the families of the accused.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
The rush from the other 29 teams to acquire him would be quite literally hilarious, because trading Ohtani would be an act of financial suicide for LA and a massive windfall for a new team.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of act

Noun

Betsy Smith, the head of the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit which operates the park, cheered the passage of the bill.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
The incumbent senator accused his critics of lying about the controversy before acknowledging that his office sent patients with unpaid bills to collections.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of bill

Noun

Those statutes prohibit local governments from limiting federal immigration enforcement.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
The statute requires the Title IX coordinator to promptly contact the complainant to discuss available supportive measures, even if a formalcomplaint isn’t filed.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of statute

Noun

In 2026, the Blake Burgess Blood Clot Prevention Act was passed in Oklahoma; Mississippi proposed similar legislation.

— Ali Ataya, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
The president leads the armed forces and can veto legislation, signs international treaties and appoints ambassadors.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordinance

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