ORDINANCE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

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 next

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

higher law

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 zoning ordinances in question say people cannot eat, sleep or wash their clothes in the church's district, which is zoned for commercial use. —

Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 State law supersedes local policy, so the ordinance can’t be enforced, but to Prince, the animosity came through loud and clear. —

Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 City ordinance requires a supervisor to respond to the scene if an immigration agency requests assistance with a civil immigration enforcement operation. —

Greg Wehner, Fox News, 21 Jan. 2025 An initial version of the ordinance in passed in June 2021 would have required new buildings to be all-electric by 2026. —

Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ordinance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance

Noun

By Alison Durkee In April, President Joe Biden signed a law that prohibits U.S. app stores from hosting TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, relinquishes ownership.

— Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
The popular social video app went dark in the U.S. on Saturday night, just before the divestiture bill was set to became law at midnight on Jan. 19.

— Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Jan. 2025