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

Her discography often operates as a set of commandments that echo these guidelines. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2024

Pomegranate seeds also represent the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, that are cited in the Torah, the Jewish holy book. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Oct. 2024

Instead of cutting anything out, consider focusing on these seven commandments of the Mediterranean lifestyle, Karadsheh recommends. —Karla Walsh, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024

The requirement to post the Ten Commandments was dropped, but the commandments and the Magna Carta were added to a list of historical documents that educators have the option to use in curricula. —George Petras, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024

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