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

Examples 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 white sign is informational and describes the restaurant sign ordinance program. Annalise Frank, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024 Last year, the justices declined to hear a case challenging a similar ordinance in Westchester, New York. Bracey Harris, NBC News, 11 Oct. 2024 Once a larger conversation has been started, some communities consider writing ordinances to address nighttime lighting or starting their own dark sky preservation group. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024 An 1851 New York City ordinance prohibited full-body burials south of 86th Street unless the individual was to be placed in part of a family crypt. Christina Ray Stanton, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ordinance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance
Noun
  • The 2-1 decision from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a challenge to a similar law in Tennessee, which may ultimately determine whether all such state laws around the country can be enforced.
    Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The Hungarian has transformed his country’s democratic system by changing electoral laws to ensure only his party can win elections.
    Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • That balancing act has forced Starbucks to cut back on niche menu items like the olive-oil infused Oleato drinks, focusing instead on popular staples like its Refreshers, which have gained popularity among younger customers.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
  • For me, the act of hunting itself is less of the draw.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In June 2023, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.; and John Fetterman, D-Pa., sponsored a bill to establish minimum standards for tenants in such parks that receive federal funding through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the Federal Housing Administration.
    Albinson Linares, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • There are a lot of big names on the bill, but the one that really jumps off the page is Marco Antonio Solis, the singer-songwriter who co-founded the legendary group Los Bukis back in the mid-’70s.
    Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The constitutional amendment renews approval for the state using Minnesota State Lottery revenue for conservation, raises the amount of lottery money the state can spend each year and creates a new advisory council to decide how to award grants.
    Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2024
  • While most Kentucky voters were focused on the presidential race and a controversial constitutional amendment Tuesday, there were dozens of candidates vying for the chance to represent their communities in small municipalities in and around Jefferson County.
    Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Follow the Law’s ads and website overstate officials’ roles beyond what statutes allow, state officials in Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin said.
    Phoebe Petrovic, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2024
  • There's nothing special about laws created via ballot measure — they can be altered or repealed like any other statute.
    Mike Deehan, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • While state officials began preparing for a second Trump presidency and Democrats questioned what went wrong with Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, California passed legislation cracking down on crime and expanding environmental protections across the state.
    Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • In the House, where all 435 seats are on the ballot, the election results will have a major impact on the incoming President’s ability to pass legislation and enact key elements of his or her agenda.
    Simmone Shah, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near ordinance

Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ordinance

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