1
as in to destine
to determine the fate of in advance
he is stoic in the face of adversity, bolstered by his faith that everything in life has been ordained by a higher power
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority
a new bill that would ordain the funding of public schools through state lottery revenues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to enact
to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action
the founders of the African republic ordained a form of government that was closely modeled on that of the United States
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ordain
And the Catholic and Orthodox churches — the world’s two largest Christian communions — ordain only men to the priesthood.
—
Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
And the Catholic and Orthodox churches — the world’s two largest Christian communions — ordain only men to the priesthood.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Jakes delivered his first sermon in 1976 and was ordained in 1979.
—Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 June 2026
On the left was Fleck at age 26, when he was ordained.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordain
Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
And the Catholic and Orthodox churches — the world’s two largest Christian communions — ordain only men to the priesthood.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Jakes delivered his first sermon in 1976 and was ordained in 1979.
—Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 June 2026
On the left was Fleck at age 26, when he was ordained.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordain
Verb
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Federal customs officials at Washington Dulles Airport seized 139 pounds of Ethiopian khat, a plant chewed for its amphetamine-like effect, that was destined for Sacramento.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
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In that sense, like the recordings at the center of her film, McKendrick’s third feature feels destined to become a keepsake.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Talarico also came under fire in May for ordering a meatless taco.—
Britta Miller,
The Washington Examiner,
20 June 2026
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That has worried digital rights and free speech activists, who say that India is increasingly using its powers to silence online voices opposing the government, including ordering social media takedowns and blocking access to some accounts.—
Mithil Aggarwal,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Britain will use a similar model to Australia, which enacted a ban last December, the government said.—
Paul Sandle,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
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The industry argued that New York’s public nuisance law is preempted by the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, enacted by Congress in 2005.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2026
Verb
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On the floor, just four Republican no votes could doom it.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
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That does not mean LinkedIn’s marketplace is doomed.—
Gabriel Alin Zainescu,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Deenadayalan’s attorneys did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
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The lawsuit requests that the clinic undertake free genetic testing for all patients and children whose births resulted from embryo implantation during the past five years, the amount of time the clinic had the couple's embryos in its possession.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Verb
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For a performer whose studio has passed, the practical effect is that the actor absorbs the cost of staying on the ballot.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 June 2026
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The legislature passed a bill allowing Colorado's Department of Health Care Policy & Financing to begin work on the concept, noting the potential of saving Coloradans $46 million over three years.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ordain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordain. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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