as in to implement
to carry out effectively
the duty of the police is to enforce the law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 enforce
The state of Illinois prohibits local and state law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal civil immigration laws through the TRUST Act, which was passed in 2017 and signed into law by then-Governor Bruce Rauner, a Republican.
—
Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, said that for now the federal government is limited to enforcing recall and exemption laws because there is no federal framework to regulate autonomous vehicles.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
The clarification came in an email from the Seattle Police Department, which said officers were still expected to enforce drug laws despite an internal communication that sparked backlash.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Read more Australia is trying to enforce the first teen social media ban.
—Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enforce
Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, said that for now the federal government is limited to enforcing recall and exemption laws because there is no federal framework to regulate autonomous vehicles.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
The clarification came in an email from the Seattle Police Department, which said officers were still expected to enforce drug laws despite an internal communication that sparked backlash.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Read more Australia is trying to enforce the first teen social media ban.
—Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enforce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enforce
Verb
-
Tangible goals include achieving zero plastic use in all guest rooms and implementing innovative systems like ice storage for energy efficiency and grey water water reuse for conservation.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
When critics contend the legislation will be costly to implement and could slow innovation, proponents need to remind them that legislation isn’t just in the interest of consumers but the companies themselves.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
During vetting by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, refugees are required to show they were persecuted or face persecution in their home countries and, once in the US, must apply for green cards a year after admission.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The designation only applies to the sign, not the attached building, which houses Americana Pizza.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enforce. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
