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commandment

noun

com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt How to pronounce commandment (audio)
Synonyms of commandmentnext
1
: the act or power of commanding
2
: something that is commanded
especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

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
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.
The commandment, or mitzvah, of Hanukkah is to light the menorah with family or friends at home. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Dec. 2025 In the meantime, Cox may be found brushing up on his commandments about Method acting and taking his disappointment with humanity out on Jeremy Strong. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025 By then, the preeminent fashion genius of the third quarter of the 20th century and the designer so often credited with inventing the modern woman’s wardrobe had handed prêt-à-porter over to his assistants, who clung as if by commandment to the house dogma of bourgeois Parisian elegance. Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025 Its followers strictly adhere to the 29 commandments of Guru Jambheshwar, which include the sacred principles of worshiping and protecting all animals. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commandment

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of commandment was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Commandment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commandment. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

commandment

noun
com·​mand·​ment kə-ˈman(d)-mənt How to pronounce commandment (audio)
: something commanded
especially : one of the biblical Ten Commandments

More from Merriam-Webster on commandment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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