Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

ordinance

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of ordinance

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 of ordinance

act, bill, constitution, enactment, law, statute
Words Related to ordinance

command, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, fiat, ruling

bylaw, ground rule, regulation, rule

amendment, legislation

common law, martial law

prohibition, proscription, restriction
Near Antonyms of ordinance

higher law

Synonym Discussion of ordinance

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.
    • obey the law
rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.
    • the rules of the game
regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.
    • regulations affecting nuclear power plants
precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.
    • the precepts of effective writing
statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.
    • a statute requiring the use of seat belts
ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.
    • a city ordinance
canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.
    • the canons of good taste

Learn More about ordinance

  1. Dictionary: Definition of ordinance Spanish Central: Translation of ordinance Nglish: Translation of ordinance for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ordinance for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ordinance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games