Synonyms of martial law

martial law

noun

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

Related Words

• law
• common law
• ordinance
• legislation
• constitution
• statute
• act
• commandment
• edict
• ruling
• restriction
• amendment
• directive
• regulation
• enactment
• decree
• command
• rule
• ground rule
• fiat
• bill
• blue law
• dictate
• prohibition
• bylaw
• canon
• proscription
• capitulary
• encyclical

Dissimilar Words

• higher law

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of martial law

Ukraine has not held presidential or parliamentary elections since 2019, because Ukrainian martial law, which has been in effect since the start of the invasion, prohibits elections in a time of war. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

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

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