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

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

The Reward: Indulgence For those pilgrims following the Catholic church’s commandments for the 2025 Jubilee, there are spiritual rewards that include the granting of indulgences. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Instead, the business of erecting cities operates by a different commandment: Make buildings efficient. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 12 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