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 confirmation memory verse was, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endures forever. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Your direct plea to Donald Trump calling for mercy for our LGBTQ, immigrant, and otherwise marginalized people in America speaks to the greatest commandment: to love our neighbors as ourselves. —Rachel Dobkin, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025

But his life was also a broader love story about love for his fellow humans, and about living out the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. —Rachel Dobkin, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Forgetting To Stock Your Home Number 6 on our list of the top 7 commandments of Southern entertaining? —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 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