Synonyms of ordinance

ordinance

noun

ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s 

as in law

a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature

a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms

Synonyms & Similar Words

• law
• act
• bill
• amendment
• statute
• legislation
• enactment
• constitution
• prohibition
• edict
• decree
• regulation
• ruling
• commandment
• bylaw
• rule
• directive
• fiat
• restriction
• common law
• martial law
• ground rule
• dictate
• command
• proscription
• canon
• blue law
• capitulary
• encyclical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• higher law

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ordinance

Miami-Dade’s new civil courthouse will be named after Osvaldo Soto, a Cuban American lawyer who led the fight in the 1980s to repeal the county’s English-only ordinance that, among other things, stopped clerks from conducting courthouse weddings in Spanish. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025

In late 2016, Orange followed with a similar ordinance that, like Seminole, requires residents and businesses to keep trash locked up until morning of pickup. —Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025

Land is expected to introduce an ordinance that would ban cryptocurrency ATMs in the city at the April 1 council meeting. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2025

The Eleventh Circuit, for example, ruled in Otto v. City of Boca Raton that county and city ordinances banning the therapy practice violated the First Amendment’s free speech protections. —Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025