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
Noun
  • Trump and his allies have sought to recast the insurrection as an act of patriotism, and the prosecution of rioters as a grave injustice.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025
  • This is foreshadowed by a rip-roaring introduction that has the sounds of musical acts spanning generations bleeding into one another in a segment that Questlove says took almost a full year to complete.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Now, Harford is facing two additional felony charges for allegedly hacking into a former employer’s business account in order to pay a Verizon bill, according to the outlet, which noted the incidents allegedly occurred between July 6 and July 9, 2024.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Avoiding Financial Resentment Financial resentment can be a silent but corrosive force in relationships, according to Tu, and the former Wall Street trader said that splitting bills 50/50 when income disparities are at play is its primary trigger.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Florida's constitution currently requires voter approval for gambling expansion through these amendments.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The filing also details various financial agreements, including an amendment to the senior unsecured revolving credit facility to increase its capacity and extend its maturity date.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Agencies should give effect to the order’s definitions when applying their statutes, regulations and guidance.
    Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • There are several emergency statutes Trump could invoke to increase gasoline and electricity supplies, said Glenn Schwartz, director of energy policy at the consulting firm Rapidan Energy.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The legislation would provide $500,000 for a committee to study the potential benefits of a launch site.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Alonzo Martinez covers employment legislation and litigation, focusing on background checks, criminal history reform, pay equity and transparency, AI ...
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near ordinance

Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ordinance

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