as in law
control of an area by military forces rather than by the police
The government has declared martial law throughout the city to stop the riots. an area placed under martial law
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Recent Examples of martial law
Back then, Cheng was known for her criticism of the KMT, which ruled Taiwan under martial law until 1987.
—
Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 4 Apr. 2026
In the wake of Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) declaring martial law in New York City and outlawing crime-fighting, he’s established the violent Anti-Vigilante Task Force that’s locking citizens up without due process.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Violence was so prevalent that, in 1871, Grant invoked martial law in South Carolina.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
After Trump called for a presidential election in Ukraine, Zelensky signaled readiness for it even though it’s banned under martial law.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 4 Apr. 2026
In the wake of Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) declaring martial law in New York City and outlawing crime-fighting, he’s established the violent Anti-Vigilante Task Force that’s locking citizens up without due process.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Violence was so prevalent that, in 1871, Grant invoked martial law in South Carolina.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
After Trump called for a presidential election in Ukraine, Zelensky signaled readiness for it even though it’s banned under martial law.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martial law
Noun
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The internal documents were released only after the Union-Tribune pressed for the records, citing language in Atkins’ law.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Various states have laws that ban people under the age of 21 from purchasing firearms, and there are five pending Supreme Court petitions that challenge a variety of these laws across the country.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Our Revolutionary fathers were influenced by the Bible, particularly as Scripture was interpreted through British common law.—
James O. Cunningham,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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Originating in English common law, jus soli serves as the basis for citizenship in nearly every nation-state in the Western Hemisphere.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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To take effect, the City Council would need to approve a vacation rental ordinance.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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As far back as the 1960s, local ordinances banned disruptive behavior such as loud radios, overnight stays in public areas and picnicking on lawns, Time Out reported.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The 1973 war legislation makes no mention of an exception in the case of ceasefire.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
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Under the legislation, electric scooters, electric skateboards, and electric unicycles would be prohibited from operating over 28 mph on roads, bike lanes, bike paths, and sidewalks.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Florida’s new districts are certain to face lawsuits as well, especially because the state constitution prohibits redistricting for explicitly partisan purposes.—
Bill Barrow,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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But pension protection is written in the state constitution, something not likely to change.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martial%20law. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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