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
Back then, Cheng was known for her criticism of the KMT, which ruled Taiwan under martial law until 1987.
—
Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 4 Apr. 2026
In the wake of Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) declaring martial law in New York City and outlawing crime-fighting, he’s established the violent Anti-Vigilante Task Force that’s locking citizens up without due process.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Violence was so prevalent that, in 1871, Grant invoked martial law in South Carolina.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
After Trump called for a presidential election in Ukraine, Zelensky signaled readiness for it even though it’s banned under martial law.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 4 Apr. 2026
In the wake of Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) declaring martial law in New York City and outlawing crime-fighting, he’s established the violent Anti-Vigilante Task Force that’s locking citizens up without due process.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Violence was so prevalent that, in 1871, Grant invoked martial law in South Carolina.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
After Trump called for a presidential election in Ukraine, Zelensky signaled readiness for it even though it’s banned under martial law.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
Noun
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The internal documents were released only after the Union-Tribune pressed for the records, citing language in Atkins’ law.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Various states have laws that ban people under the age of 21 from purchasing firearms, and there are five pending Supreme Court petitions that challenge a variety of these laws across the country.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Our Revolutionary fathers were influenced by the Bible, particularly as Scripture was interpreted through British common law.—
James O. Cunningham,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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Originating in English common law, jus soli serves as the basis for citizenship in nearly every nation-state in the Western Hemisphere.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Textbooks, flags, legal ordinances, school and street names, grave markers, popular songs, the names of trees—all of these gave oxygen to a lie.—
Horace D. Ballard,
Artforum,
22 Apr. 2026
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The union headed to City Hall on Tuesday afternoon to give public comment in support of the ordinance during the City Council’s Economic Development and Jobs Committee meeting.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Trump's legislation raised that cap to $40,000, up from $10,000, for 2025.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
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The mayor will let the legislation lapse into law, but will not sign it.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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However, legislators there face strict restrictions on drawing congressional maps for political reasons, based on the state's constitution.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
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The ballot measure, which voters approved by a 3-point margin on Tuesday, sought to amend Virginia's constitution so that lawmakers could redraw the state's House map, overriding a 2020 amendment that created a bipartisan commission to handle redistricting.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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