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
Judge Ji believed Yoon deserved a severe penalty for his martial law decree.
—
Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Feb. 2026
As lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly, Yoon's martial law command issued a proclamation declaring sweeping powers, including suspending political activities, controlling the media and publications, and allowing arrests without warrants.
—CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Other trials are still ongoing, including one in which he is charged with treason after he was accused of ordering that drones be sent into North Korean airspace to provoke a confrontation that could justify martial law.
—Stella Kim, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026
The Seoul court also handed down a 30-year sentence to Yoon’s defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, and lesser prison terms to other former military and police officials who helped implement the martial law decree.
—Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Feb. 2026
As lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly, Yoon's martial law command issued a proclamation declaring sweeping powers, including suspending political activities, controlling the media and publications, and allowing arrests without warrants.
—CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Other trials are still ongoing, including one in which he is charged with treason after he was accused of ordering that drones be sent into North Korean airspace to provoke a confrontation that could justify martial law.
—Stella Kim, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026
The Seoul court also handed down a 30-year sentence to Yoon’s defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, and lesser prison terms to other former military and police officials who helped implement the martial law decree.
—Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
Noun
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According to the website, states may exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time by state law in accordance with the Uniform Time Act, as amended.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
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On at least six other occasions, detainees attempted to harm themselves while expressing suicidal ideations that resulted in 911 calls, according to records from the city of El Paso obtained under the Texas public information law.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Online court records show Derond Crawford is charged with one count each of using a computer to commit a crime, common law offenses and interfering with electronic communications in connection with the incident.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
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The lawsuit asks the Ingham County Circuit Court to declare Kalshi's internet sports betting operation a common law nuisance and to issue a permanent injunction and order of abatement enjoining and restraining Kalshi from engaging in or advertising its internet sports betting operation in Michigan.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The religious article, called a kirpan, cannot be longer than 10 inches and must be contained in a sheath to wear in City Hall, according to the ordinance.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
11 Mar. 2026
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Newport Beach has a new e-bike ordinance that imposes fines or possible impounding of e-bikes if the rules aren't followed.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In South Africa, legislation in the early two-thousands codified a program called Black Economic Empowerment, which, among other initiatives, incentivizes employers to hire Black South Africans; a more recent law allows the government to expropriate private land, sometimes without compensation.—
Boyce Upholt,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
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Under the legislation, a representative from the Chiefs organization would have voting power on the authority’s board, granting the team the ability to vote on major decisions related to the construction and operation of the stadium.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The constitution of the International Telecommunication Union prohibits harmful interference with the radio navigation satellite signal band.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
12 Mar. 2026
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According to Iran’s constitution, the supreme leader is expected to possess high-level religious scholarship and the capacity to manage national affairs — especially during times of crisis and war.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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