Definition of ordnancenext
as in guns
large firearms (as cannons or rockets) the army is waiting for the heavy ordnance to be brought in

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 ordnance The vehicle was designed to address key requirements of ground forces, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, special operations units, and SWAT operators. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026 Deputies did not provide any other details about the ordnance. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 11 June 2026 Tour the officers' quarters, barracks, kitchen, blacksmith shop and ordnance room, and watch a demonstration of the fort's cannon. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026 Police cleared the area and called in the department’s explosive ordnance disposal unit, which checked the boxes. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordnance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordnance
Noun
  • But police say the ranger approaching the car would ultimately lead to a sprawling investigation involving drugs, guns, mysterious chemicals, a missing woman and local and federal investigators turning a Philadelphia home inside out.
    Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • State lawmakers said these rapid-fire guns are not needed for self-defense but can be a weapon of mass murder.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The lawsuit also faulted organizers for not ensuring attendees did not have weapons, tear gas or bear spray, for allowing attendees to enter the festival from multiple unmonitored points and for not imposing security measures after problems at previous events.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026
  • Radiological weapons can be detected by a Geiger counter, while chemical weapons can usually be identified by reagents, electronic sensors, and special detection sheets sensitive to things like nerve agents.
    David Szondy June 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ordnance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordnance. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on ordnance

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster