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
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
The last declaration of martial law was made in May 1980 by the Chun Doo-hwan military junta, which sent special forces units to violently quash pro-democracy protests in the city of Gwangju.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
One of the concerns now is that any protests could lead Trump to send in the military, resulting in a declaration of martial law.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
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
The last declaration of martial law was made in May 1980 by the Chun Doo-hwan military junta, which sent special forces units to violently quash pro-democracy protests in the city of Gwangju.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
One of the concerns now is that any protests could lead Trump to send in the military, resulting in a declaration of martial law.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
Noun
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James Gabbert/Getty Images The Context Texas law allows people with a license to conceal carry a gun and to possess that gun on college campuses.—
Sophie Clark
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
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Florida law outlines sweeping powers available in a state of emergency, including the governor’s ability to use and deploy all available county and local resources.—
Skyler Swisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 June 2025
Noun
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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
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Before the United States’ founding, English common law had established habeas corpus to object to imprisonment.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
11 May 2025
Noun
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An ordinance restricting buildings above three stories has kept the high-rises and big brands at bay.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
17 June 2025
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The ordinance is now pending a council vote at a future meeting.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 June 2025
Noun
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The House Democratic Majority passed the bill in 2010, but Senate Republicans blocked the legislation with a filibuster in the Senate.—
Darren Soto,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
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Massie had sponsored legislation that would have required congressional approval for any strikes on Iran.—
Colin Meyn,
The Hill,
22 June 2025
Noun
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It was filed in 2023 by two Virginians who are ineligible to vote under the state constitution’s lifetime voting ban for people convicted of felonies.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
23 June 2025
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These legal documents, essentially city constitutions, enable municipalities to retain greater control over some local concerns related to the city police force, city administration, city elections and bidding processes for public contracts.—
Jonathan Horwitz,
Oc Register,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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