as in law
control of an area by military forces rather than by the police
The government has declared martial law throughout the city to stop the riots. an area placed under martial law
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Recent Examples of martial law
On April 18, 1936, for example, Colorado’s governor declared martial law and closed his state’s borders to migrant workers from adjoining states, as well as Mexico.
—
Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
Those who are given authority over aspects of it — the internal militia, dragnets, detention camps, and martial law — seek other opportunities to invoke their authority.
—Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025
Dismay over Ukraine Making matters worse for Kyiv is growing unrest at a domestic level, with misgivings over ongoing martial law, the lack of elections and the wartime leadership of Zelenskyy.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 27 July 2025
Thailand took steps in preparation for war on Friday, declaring martial law in parts of the country.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
Those who are given authority over aspects of it — the internal militia, dragnets, detention camps, and martial law — seek other opportunities to invoke their authority.
—Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025
Dismay over Ukraine Making matters worse for Kyiv is growing unrest at a domestic level, with misgivings over ongoing martial law, the lack of elections and the wartime leadership of Zelenskyy.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 27 July 2025
Thailand took steps in preparation for war on Friday, declaring martial law in parts of the country.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
Noun
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But a sprawling expanse of abusive online behavior doesn’t technically violate federal laws or individual company policies.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Aug. 2025
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The 200 plaintiffs accuse UNRWA of violating antiterrorism laws by allegedly providing funds and other methods of support to Hamas and Hezbollah, which are classified by the State Department as foreign terrorist organizations.—
Emily Chang,
ABC News,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Today, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the city’s financial free zone where regulation is based on English common law, counts more than 170 local funds and other institutions that say they are focused on sustainability.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
5 Aug. 2025
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Many of the world’s leading firms utilize BVI business structures for complex global transactions, benefiting from the jurisdiction’s robust legal framework, which is based on English common law.—
Panorama Media Ltd,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Hellfire afforded various ways for your ship to fire its ordinance, something that later games like Radiant Silvergun utilized.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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The Republican General Assembly wasn’t pleased and passed a controversial bill to nullify the ordinance.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In their most recent fundraising email, Indiana House Democrats evoked their 2011 walkout over right-to-work legislation opposed by labor unions.—
Indianapolis Star,
IndyStar,
7 Aug. 2025
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Still, background talks and attempts to advance legislation in Congress may continue, which will be critical to follow as these will influence any eventual decisions the Trump administration may make.—
Owen Tedford,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In New York, which also has a commission, the state constitution bars another map this decade.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Aug. 2025
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In accordance with the rules laid out in the union’s constitution, the International Executive Council scheduled an April 24 hearing to determine the exact repayment amount, the lawsuit says.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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