1
2
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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

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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 Most of his time was either in Peru or in Rome, so his experience was -- while growing up American, his experience after college and certainly after being ordained a priest was -- was always much more global, much more international. Isabel Danzis, ABC News, 11 May 2025 But Prevost opposes ordaining women as deacons, for instance, so he's seen as conservative on church doctrine. May 8, CBS News, 9 May 2025 Equality for women Like his predecessor, Leo opposes the idea of ordaining female deacons. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 May 2025 Born and raised in Chicago, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1981. Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordain
Verb
  • The Blues can also free up the requested cap space, if needed, with Torey Krug destined for LTIR.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • Isole e Olena has 103 acres of vines located at 1150 to 1640 feet above sea level, but grapes from less than one quarter of those are destined for this Super Tuscan bottling.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Alongside the 12-year sentence, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ordered Zuberi pay close to $16 million in restitution and a nearly $2 million fine.
    Tara Suter, The Hill, 29 May 2025
  • One carried a 23-month sentence, and the other ordered five years of probation and a $200,000 fine, per AP.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • At a moment when many working people feel ignored by both major political parties, this is a unique and meaningful opportunity for Gov. Ned Lamont to demonstrate his commitment to working class voters by enacting policies that protect them and their jobs.
    Ed Hawthorne, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
  • More than a half dozen states have enacted laws placing restrictions on diversity efforts at state institutions such as colleges and universities.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Throughout last season, when the Chiefs were attempting to become the NFL’s first three-peat champion in the Super Bowl era, everyone in the city — players, fans and employees of the team — had to start contemplating if Arrowhead’s future was doomed.
    Nate Taylor, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Either of these is enough to doom Democrats’ already-tenuous chance at the Governor’s Mansion.
    South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • That’s how Phil Robertson, who found fame and fortune through his hunting-business empire and some controversy but also popularity for his outspoken religious and political beliefs, requested people respond to his death.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 May 2025
  • Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York wrote to the judge requesting the man be incarcerated before trial.
    Evan Mealins, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • The bipartisan bill had sailed through the Senate and passed the House by a vote of 409–2.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • By 2006, when Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling and Enforcement Act, a law designed to criminalize online gambling in all of its various forms, from poker to sports betting, the NFL had completely abandoned its objections to fantasy.
    David Hill, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ordain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordain. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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