ORDAIN Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

ordain

verb

ȯr-ˈdān

Definition of ordain

as in to destine

to determine the fate of in advance he is stoic in the face of adversity, bolstered by his faith that everything in life has been ordained by a higher power

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to order

to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority a new bill that would ordain the funding of public schools through state lottery revenues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to enact

to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action the founders of the African republic ordained a form of government that was closely modeled on that of the United States

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ordain Under church law, consecrating bishops without papal approval is considered a schismatic act and carries automatic excommunication for both the bishops being ordained and the bishop performing the ceremony. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 In recent decades, various popes have sought to reconcile with the group and in 2009 Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunications of the four bishops ordained in 1988. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Her parents, Baptist deacons who ultimately left the church over its refusal to ordain women, raised their children to wrestle with such questions. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 After the war, he was ordained and served as a minister at the Steele Creek Presbyterian Church from 1804 until his death in 1827. — Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordain

Verb

If James’ defection seems destined to peel casual NBA viewers away from the Lake Show, the subsequent heightened interest for the teams repping the I-95 megalopolis should go a long way toward helping shore up the league’s national deliveries.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026
He could be traded by then, and if not, sellers often rest starters they’re destined to trade to avoid a last-minute injury.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of destine

Verb

Yet a rupture with the United States, doomed to a long night of Trumpism, seems unlikely, to say nothing of a future of European self-reliance.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
In 2003, when Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman lost his nerve and a fourth-and-26 play later doomed his team, Sherman also lost the locker room.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of doom

Verb

Calls have been received requesting specific information as to the location of offices in specific buildings.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
The Charlotte Observer has also requested comment from Anson County officials and the Anson County Sheriff’s Office.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Definition of request

Verb

The most significant injury of training camp was a doozy and came on the very first day, when second-year pass rusher Nic Scourton tore up his knee July 23 and was soon declared out for the season.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
ChatGPT passed 900 million weekly users in February and, by most trackers, crossed a billion monthly users around the middle of this year.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026