Synonym Chooser

How is the word ordinance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of ordinance are canon, law, precept, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

When can canon be used instead of ordinance?

The words canon and ordinance can be used in similar contexts, but canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

In what contexts can law take the place of ordinance?

The meanings of law and ordinance largely overlap; however, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

When is precept a more appropriate choice than ordinance?

While in some cases nearly identical to ordinance, precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

Where would regulation be a reasonable alternative to ordinance?

While the synonyms regulation and ordinance are close in meaning, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When might rule be a better fit than ordinance?

The synonyms rule and ordinance are sometimes interchangeable, but rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When could statute be used to replace ordinance?

The words statute and ordinance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

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 ordinance Key achievements include ordinances to provide free legal aid for tenants facing eviction and to ease barriers to property tax exemptions. Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Should the town change any ordinances or rules to alter how development occurs? Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 The delay follows a month of deliberations after the city council suspended the ordinance to amend it to remove diversity, equity and inclusion language. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2025 Many roads have been destroyed, and rubble may be hiding unexploded ordinances. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordinance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordinance
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • The annotated text of the original Voting Rights Act is below, along with scholarship written about the act before and after its passage.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Removing a royal title would require an act of parliament, but the move could receive support from the government and the public with King Charles' backing, the outlet reports.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For those eager to travel further afield this Halloween season, a jaunt to the Transylvanian Alps should fit the bill.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
  • A lot of people think things aren't working, that the economy is rigged against them, and that hard work no longer pays the bills.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Wisconsin voters have approved the majority of constitutional amendments placed on ballots by Republicans in the past two years.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • California is trying to counter the Republican effort by redistricting in favor of Democrats, if voters pass a constitutional amendment next month.
    Savannah Hawley-Bates, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The suits are brought under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, federal anti-sex trafficking statutes, and common-law tort claims under New York law.
    Chase Jordan October 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This statute exists in some form in almost 30 states according to Everytown Research and has been used in some of the most prominent court cases in the past two decades.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordinance. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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