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 Etherly said the ordinances and executive actions will save the city more than $600,000 per year. Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2025 Residents can expect specific rules to be included in the ordinance the council will review in November. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 City officials have said that under the ordinance, the city’s appeals process requires tenants of each unit to make their own individual case for why their rents should remain within that cap. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025 Led by Pardo, commissioners in May 2024 voted to repeal the sign ordinance and return size limits to their previous levels. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordinance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance
Noun
  • Safety information California law states that everyone under the age of 18 years must wear a bike helmet while riding a bicycle.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Vedra and other debt law experts said a high rate of default judgments indicates a system that favors the pursuers over the pursued — and increases the chances someone will be harmed by an erroneous bill.
    Rae Ellen Bichell, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ahn Young-joon / AP Tattoo artists welcomed the act’s passage after spending years fighting to end the ban.
    Reuters, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In 1972, a young student is profoundly changed by the simple act of observing and connecting with a geranium.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The federal government is set to run out of money at midnight on Oct 1, the end of the fiscal year, unless members of Congress overcome partisan differences to strike a deal to pass a funding bill.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • During a shutdown, other bills can be brought up for a vote, but all energy would likely be focused on bringing a CR to the floor.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The legal battle stems from the city’s 2024 amendment to its street vendor ordinance that sought to clarify what types of activities qualify for free-speech protections in public spaces.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Later amendments were printed rather than handwritten.
    New York Times, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmettiopined last year that the statute does not mean commissioners must be certified to teach in Tennessee schools.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The right to an open forum time in board meetings and membership meetings comes from California Civil Code Section 4925(b), but the statute does not say when that time must be provided.
    Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both New York Democrats, have rejected a short-term bill, demanding that any legislation undo recent Republican cuts to healthcare programs.
    Terry Moseley, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • What’s not okay is the hypocrisy of backing forceful legislation that restricts what people, trans and otherwise, can do with their own bodies.
    Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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