COMMON LAW Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

common law

noun

Definition of common law

as in martial law

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

higher law

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 common law The evidentiary rules and the common law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts clearly permitted that medical evidence to be presented, and yet it was blocked. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Many of the community property states are located in the West and Southwest, in part due to legal traditions inherited from Spain and Mexico rather than English common law. — Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 2026 Its roots include English common law dating back to the 17th century. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 The 19-year-old Mocksville man was charged with felony common law damage to real property for allegedly putting soap into the fountain, and littering for leaving behind the plastic bucket, officials said. — Mark Price july 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for common law

Recent Examples of Synonyms for common law

Noun

Norman notably encouraged the President to declare martial law before Joe Biden’s Inauguration, in 2021, and has been endorsed by several high-profile MAGA figures, including the Utah senator Mike Lee and the South Carolina congresswoman Nancy Mace.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
To some lawmakers and analysts, the episode demonstrated that democracy and accountability are alive in Ukraine despite martial law and the suspension of elections.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026

Definition of martial law

Noun

The Kenosha County District Attorney's Office is charging Frank McGrath with two felony counts of misconduct in public office, in violation of Wisconsin statute.

— Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Hernandez was charged with two counts of misconduct of a ship officer resulting in death under the seaman’s manslaughter statute and released on a $50,000 bond at his presentment in Manhattan federal court two days after the incident.

— Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026