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
Lee Jae-myung is the new President of South Korea after winning a commanding 49% of the vote in Tuesday’s snap election, which was called following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who plunged Asia’s fourth biggest economy into turmoil with his December declaration of martial law.
—
Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 June 2025
Despite such disagreements – a reflection of the country’s deep polarization – many South Koreans are simply thankful to put the instability of the martial law episode behind them.
—Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025
But above all, Lee emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust, badly damaged by the martial law crisis – and punishing those responsible.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
The other two instances were in U.S. territories, in the Philippines during a 1905 rebellion and in Hawaii after Pearl Harbor, when the Territory of Hawaii was under martial law, but each time acting under congressional grant.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 June 2025
Despite such disagreements – a reflection of the country’s deep polarization – many South Koreans are simply thankful to put the instability of the martial law episode behind them.
—Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025
But above all, Lee emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust, badly damaged by the martial law crisis – and punishing those responsible.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
The other two instances were in U.S. territories, in the Philippines during a 1905 rebellion and in Hawaii after Pearl Harbor, when the Territory of Hawaii was under martial law, but each time acting under congressional grant.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
Noun
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Colorado and New York both enacted laws in 2023 that provide some protections for consumers who have medical debt, for instance.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
15 July 2025
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Ohio's new law requires public school districts, charter schools and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools to ban students' use of cellphones in schools by Jan. 1, 2026.—
Jessie Balmert,
The Enquirer,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Birthright citizenship has its origins in English common law and was enshrined in the U.S. Constitution through the 14th Amendment.—
Jay Weaver
July 10,
Miami Herald,
10 July 2025
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The common law right of publicity prevents individuals from evoking another’s identity for their own advantage, commercial or otherwise, Ochoa said.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Milwaukee doesn't name any extras in its ordinances, so those three are the main ones to watch.—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
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Residents are reminded that city ordinance states pets are not to be outside unsupervised when the temperature is over 90 degrees or a heat advisory is in effect.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
Noun
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While the legislation is U.S.-centric, its influence is likely to extend far beyond.—
Geoff Ira,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Families of those who have died from overdoses, those in recovery from substance use disorder and families of struggling individuals supported the legislation, according to Senate Democrats.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Under Michigan's 1963 constitution, candidates for Michigan governor must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens and residents of Michigan who were registered to vote in Michigan for at least four years prior to the election.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
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There are three different constitutions, and at the Art of Living Retreat Center, guests can learn how to improve their diets and lifestyles based on them.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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