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
Under martial law, elections can't be held.
—
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
By season 1's conclusion, Fisk has taken over the city's government as mayor, locked away any potential threats to his power in a secret prison, installed his own shadow force of corrupt cops to exact his will, outlawed vigilanteism, and declared martial law.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025
Lee took power in South Korea on June 4 following snap elections called in response to the impeachment of his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, whose December declaration of martial law plunged the East Asian nation of 50 million into political crisis.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
When Marcos declared martial law in 1972, the elder Araneta, a prominent backer of the opposing Liberal Party, fled to New York.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
By season 1's conclusion, Fisk has taken over the city's government as mayor, locked away any potential threats to his power in a secret prison, installed his own shadow force of corrupt cops to exact his will, outlawed vigilanteism, and declared martial law.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025
Lee took power in South Korea on June 4 following snap elections called in response to the impeachment of his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, whose December declaration of martial law plunged the East Asian nation of 50 million into political crisis.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
When Marcos declared martial law in 1972, the elder Araneta, a prominent backer of the opposing Liberal Party, fled to New York.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
Noun
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According to Arkansas law, all drain plugs must be removed from your boat at the boat ramp upon the conclusion of your outing and during transport.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
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Larson argued the amendment would limit the state's ability to enact more restrictive gun laws in the future.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Officers James Sribniak and Jack Currie are facing assault and common law offenses.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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Among the changes are that plan administrators can now aggregate wages from certain separate common law employers when determining if a participant must use the Roth option.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Should the town change any ordinances or rules to alter how development occurs?—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Oct. 2025
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Under the ordinance, council members reserve the right to further restrict food truck hours as the World Cup approaches.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Lathrop said the problem is exacerbated by the criminal justice system, where the felony minimum for larceny is $1,200 — after it was raised from $250 through state legislation in 2018 — and the courts often let the offenders go.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
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The two went on to work together over the years to raise awareness, funds and legislation for cancer research and early detection.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Odinga, who served prison time for his steadfast support for democracy and political reform, played a critical role in replacing a colonial-era charter with the country’s current constitution, which imposes clearer limits on presidential power.—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
22 Oct. 2025
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Wisconsin is one of 39 states allowing some form of sports betting, but under its constitution, only on tribal lands.—
Frank Vaisvilas,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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