commandment

noun

com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt 

1

: the act or power of commanding

2

: something that is commanded

especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

Synonyms

• behest
• charge
• command
• decree
• dictate
• direction
• directive
• do
• edict
• imperative
• injunction
• instruction
• order
• word

Examples of commandment in a Sentence

the Ten Commandments in the Bible

the boss left behind a list of commandments for running the office while he was away

Recent Examples on the Web

What to know: The law, signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry yesterday, gives schools until Jan. 1 to display the commandments. —Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 20 June 2024

This process can be seen across the Jewish community, obscuring Passover’s most relevant lesson, the commandment to see the other. —Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2024

His crime: taking too seriously the biblical commandment to love thy neighbor and the injunction not to kill. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 6 June 2024

These commandments might help aid and development workers do a better job. —Bridget L. Coggins, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

commandment

noun

com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt 

: something commanded

especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments