martial law

noun

Definition of martial lawnext
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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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 martial law Recently ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov escalates tensions by publicly demanding wartime elections, challenging Zelensky’s authority even as Ukraine’s constitution bars national votes under martial law and protests follow his removal. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 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, 23 July 2026 Zelenskyy, who has remained in office under martial law because wartime elections are prohibited, framed the move as part of a broader shift in Ukraine's governing strategy. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
  1. law
  2. common law
  3. ordinance
  4. legislation
  5. constitution
Noun
  • In addition, a law creating new asylum eligibility requirements, including new time limits for applying, went into effect earlier this year.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Steven Baicker-McKee, a law professor at Duquesne University and an expert in civil procedure, told CNBC that an advisory jury amounts to an add-on to a bench trial.
    — Jeffrey Kopp, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • They are further accused of common law fraud and equitable fraud.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The trio and Wondermind are being sued for securities fraud, common law fraud, and breach of contract.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of common law
Noun
  • The City Attorney's Office says the selection of WTO complied with all city ordinances.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • City ordinances call for 25 units and a maximum building height of 43 feet on a lot of that size.
    — Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • Patriarchal norms are increasingly challenged by women empowered by progressive legislation that requires half of political parties’ candidates to be women and, at least on paper, guarantees women’s access to land ownership.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The debate comes as California lawmakers continue considering legislation aimed at limiting the role of private companies and state and local agencies in federal immigration enforcement.
    — Steve Large, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of legislation
Noun
  • In November, Florida voters have the chance to amend the state constitution to rewrite how local governments charge property taxes on primary residences.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Some political actors are warning that a vote during wartime, which would require changes to Ukraine’s constitution and other laws, could aid Russia by destabilizing the government and dividing society.
    — David L. Stern, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of constitution

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martial
martial law
martinet
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Cite this Entry

“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on martial law

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about martial law

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