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

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 According to the 1919 ordinance, property owners are not charged directly for trash collection. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025 Santa Monica officials say the back-up beeping isn’t loud enough to violate the city’s noise ordinance. Nick Watt, CNN Money, 25 June 2025 The move comes after Ada County last year adopted a similar ordinance to try and curtail problems in part thanks to faster e-bikes. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 25 June 2025 Miami-Dade earlier this year similarly enacted an ordinance banning the sale of DMV appointments. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordinance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance
Noun
  • The House passed the Senate version of the BBB on July 3; President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4th.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Sotomayor wrote her own dissent of the majority’s ruling that fuel producers can challenge California emissions standards under a federal air pollution law.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
    Time, Time, 9 July 2025
  • But certainly those acts got a little bit more attention, which probably did help them.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Directly affecting Tesla is the bill’s elimination of a $7,500 tax credit for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle, which was intended to make EVs more affordable for buyers and reduce carbon emissions.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 7 July 2025
  • Soon after, a pharmacy owned by the bill’s sponsor began selling the drug.
    Sarah Cutler July 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction.
    Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Senators will engage in what's being dubbed a vote-a-rama, beginning this morning where Senators have the opportunity to present amendments, which could in turn lead to hours of votes.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • As with other consumer protection statutes, Congress gave enforcement authority for ECOA to the banking agencies, the FTC, and the DOJ.
    Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • As the council, the county’s fiscal body, approaches the 2026 and 2027 budget years, Niemeyer proposed that the council conduct a detailed examination of all revenue sources and statutes to then determine which general fund expenditures could be shifted to non-levy funds.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • After a marathon session, the Senate narrowly passed their version of the legislation with Vice President Vance having to cast the deciding vote.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The change caught transit advocates by surprise and left them hoping for future legislation to plug the funding hole in the only Miami-Dade rail project with a short-term path to crucial federal dollars.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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