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 Liberal President Lee Jae Myung, who won an early presidential election last year to replace Yoon, has authorized multiple investigations into Yoon’s martial law imposition and other allegations involving his government and wife. — ABC News, 26 June 2026 People walk past the Korea Exchange (KRX) building, as stock markets in Asia as a whole have been affected by the intensifying political turmoil over president Yoon Suk Yeol's role in martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, on 9 December, 2024. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 June 2026 Tulsa was placed under martial law after Greenwood, the prosperous Black neighborhood commonly known as Black Wall Street, was attacked in 1921. — Brooke Howard, AJC.com, 23 May 2026 The final season has seen Homelander establish a new world order, deputizing Supes under martial law. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 19 May 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
  • Hopefully, the next administration will see some sense and once again try to protect the citizenry with stricter gun laws.
    — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • The shooting took place in a country with far stronger gun laws compared to the US and where mass shootings are infrequent.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • Historical roots As Roberts’ majority opinion demonstrates, the definition of citizenship that Americans inherited from Britain and the common law included everyone born in a place where the king’s dominion extended.
    — Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • This British common law rule of broad citizenship shaped the discussion in the key case of Wong Kim Ark in 1898.
    — Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Definition of common law
Noun
  • For kids under 13, life vests are also required by county ordinance.
    — Haley Parsley July 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
  • In June, two Brentwood councilmembers requested that a future agenda item be added to discuss an ordinance prohibiting the establishment, construction, expansion, or operation of any new data center facilities within the city’s limits.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • The controversial legislation stalled in committee last year.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • This 12-jurist body oversees the activities of Iran’s parliament, determining if laws passed are compatible with sharia and can demand that legislation be revised.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of legislation
Noun
  • Independent Polish judges visited scores of towns to promote the rule of law and teach voters about the country's constitution.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Independent Polish judges visited scores of towns to promote the rule of law and teach voters about the country’s constitution.
    — Sudhin Thanawala, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on martial law

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about martial law

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