commandment

noun

com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt 

1

: the act or power of commanding

2

: something that is commanded

especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

Synonyms

• instruction
• edict
• order
• injunction
• directive
• direction
• do

Examples of commandment in a Sentence

the Ten Commandments in the Bible

the boss left behind a list of commandments for running the office while he was away

Recent Examples on the Web

Thou shalt not get all bent out of shape if commandments three or four, or any other commandment herein named or referenced, shouldest cause thou to facilitate the death of any botanical earthly treasures. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

Luis the younger, however, his potential heir, was a passionate crypto-Jew who spent his free time composing prayers to the God of Israel and secretly following the commandments of the Torah. —Flora Cassen, The Conversation, 27 June 2025

Some commandments may sound helpful but come with hidden risks – especially for founders who don’t have elite backers or a soft landing if things go wrong. —Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

There is some irony that the lawmakers working on the bill with preliminary votes on both Saturday and Sunday, the Jewish Sabbath and the Christian Sabbath, violated the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for commandment

• disbandment

Kids Definition

commandment

noun

com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt 

: something commanded

especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments