ordinance

noun

ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s How to pronounce ordinance (audio)
Definition of ordinancenext
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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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 Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed members of its explosives ordinance and disposal team were present during the mid-day operation. —Wire Services, Mercury News, 9 July 2025 Commissioners are expected to take up a revised ordinance banning protests and disturbances on the Winter Park Library and Events Center campus. —Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2025 The committee backed the ordinance, which is expected to go to the full Common Council for a vote at its July 15 meeting. —Alison Dirr, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025 While local organizers like Moser are hopeful that such an ordinance would ensure neighbors of the Damen Silos have a voice in the property’s future, the ordinance has not yet been passed. —Lily Carey, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordinance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance
  1. law
  2. act
  3. bill
  4. amendment
  5. statute
  6. legislation
Noun
  • Nowhere is this truer than Wimbledon, which has always been a law unto itself. — Caoimhe O’Neill contributed reporting.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • Sotomayor wrote her own dissent of the majority’s ruling that fuel producers can challenge California emissions standards under a federal air pollution law.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
    — Time, Time, 9 July 2025
  • But certainly those acts got a little bit more attention, which probably did help them.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • But his threats failed, the bill passed and now Musk’s search for retribution will test American politics in new ways.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Directly affecting Tesla is the bill’s elimination of a $7,500 tax credit for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle, which was intended to make EVs more affordable for buyers and reduce carbon emissions.
    — Pia Singh, CNBC, 7 July 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • The state’s General Assembly would have to pass that amendment before a vote.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • The plaintiffs want a declaratory judgment that the 2020 comprehensive plan amendment approval and rezoning be voided by the court, according to the lawsuit.
    — Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of amendment
Noun
  • As with other consumer protection statutes, Congress gave enforcement authority for ECOA to the banking agencies, the FTC, and the DOJ.
    — Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • As the council, the county’s fiscal body, approaches the 2026 and 2027 budget years, Niemeyer proposed that the council conduct a detailed examination of all revenue sources and statutes to then determine which general fund expenditures could be shifted to non-levy funds.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Definition of statute
Noun
  • Families of those who have died from overdoses, those in recovery from substance use disorder and families of struggling individuals supported the legislation, according to Senate Democrats.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • The legislation will allocate funding for ICE to hire 10,000 additional agents, according to DHS.
    — Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Definition of legislation

Browse Nearby Words

orders
ordinance
ordinances
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Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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