ordinance
noun
ˈȯrd-nən(t)s 
William Shakespeare
Synonyms
- act
- bill
- constitution
- enactment
- law
- statute
Example Sentences
Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2022 Kennedy and Vickers were aware of the ordinance, according to the indictment. Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 24 Aug. 2022 The Finance Committee recommended approval of the ordinance just prior to Monday’s council meeting. Ed Wittenberg, cleveland, 15 Aug. 2022 On Monday, the Assembly voted to overturn Mayor Dave Bronson’s veto of the ordinance. Emily Goodykoontz, Anchorage Daily News, 6 Aug. 2022 In preparation for this motion, the council requested a report analyzing the economic impact of the ordinance. Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2022 Bell Gardens City Manager Michael O’Kelly said the city’s ordinance needs a final vote, scheduled for Sept. 12. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2022 One implication is the city’s noise ordinance, McCarver said. Lee Roop | Lroop@al.com, al, 26 Aug. 2022 The city’s existing tree preservation ordinance regulates exterior construction work near trees and tree removal on private property, according to the city. John Hilliard, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order — more at ordain
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
ordinance
noun
Legal Definition
ordinance
noun
ordinance
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- law
- act
- amendment
- bill
- statute
- legislation
- enactment
- prohibition
- constitution
- bylaw
- edict
- decree
- regulation
- commandment
- ruling
- directive
- rule
- fiat
- dictate
- restriction
- martial law
- common law
- ground rule
- proscription
- command
- canon
- capitulary
- blue law
- encyclical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- higher law
Synonym Chooser
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.
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 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.
While in some cases nearly identical to ordinance, precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.
While the synonyms regulation and ordinance are close in meaning, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.
The synonyms rule and ordinance are sometimes interchangeable, but rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.
The words statute and ordinance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.