Synonyms of ordinance

ordinance

noun

ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s 

as in law

a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature

a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms

Synonyms & Similar Words

• law
• act
• bill
• amendment
• statute
• legislation
• enactment
• constitution
• prohibition
• edict
• decree
• regulation
• ruling
• commandment
• bylaw
• rule
• directive
• fiat
• restriction
• common law
• martial law
• ground rule
• dictate
• command
• proscription
• canon
• blue law
• capitulary
• encyclical

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

Recent Examples of ordinance

Tuesday's ordinance, which passed 8-5, would temporarily require landlords to wait 45 days — instead of the customary 30 — before bringing an eviction notice to the renter. —Aki Nace, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

City officials said a broader public-engagement process tied to potential updates to the tree ordinance is still moving forward, including plans for a resident advisory group and community workshops. —Larry Seward, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026

When Cuban refugees flooded Miami in 1980 after the Mariel boatlift, the county passed a controversial ordinance that largely banned the use of taxpayer money for programs conducted in languages besides English. —David Ovalle, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026

The Coquille Indian Tribe in Oregon adopted the Indigenous determinants of health by ordinance last year, and Roth has been working with them as chairman of their executive health board to incorporate the determinants of health across their agencies. —Anita Hofschneider, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026