COMMON LAW Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

common law

noun

Definition of common law

as in martial law

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

higher law

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 common law The evidentiary rules and the common law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts clearly permitted that medical evidence to be presented, and yet it was blocked. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Many of the community property states are located in the West and Southwest, in part due to legal traditions inherited from Spain and Mexico rather than English common law. — Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 2026 Its roots include English common law dating back to the 17th century. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 The 19-year-old Mocksville man was charged with felony common law damage to real property for allegedly putting soap into the fountain, and littering for leaving behind the plastic bucket, officials said. — Mark Price july 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for common law

Recent Examples of Synonyms for common law

Noun

Zelensky’s five-year term was originally expected to end in 2024, but elections in Ukraine have been postponed under martial law imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

— Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
The president imposed martial law, which prohibits elections from being held, when Russian forces invaded the country in February 2022.

— Duarte Dias, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of martial law

Noun

Such offenses are commonly prosecuted under voyeurism or invasion-of-privacy statutes, though some states have adopted laws specifically targeting upskirting.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
And the states argued that these practices violated state consumer protection statutes as well.

— Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026