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

Unfortunately, the 10 qualifying commandments laid out on the Ninety-Two Club website soon dismissed the notion that National League fixtures might count. —Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024

In the twentieth century, innovative artists chafed against high ticket prices and the constraints of tradition: players facing one way and the audience facing the other, for example, and a whole range of unspoken commandments. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024

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

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