statutory

adjective

stat·​u·​to·​ry ˈsta-chə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce statutory (audio)
Synonyms of statutorynext
1
: of or relating to statutes
a statutory provision
2
: enacted, created, or regulated by statute
a statutory age limit
statutorily adverb

Examples of statutory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Over the past two weeks, a wave of amicus briefs from former lawmakers, prosecutors, and judges has urged the 4th Circuit to uphold the dismissal, warning that the administration is attempting to sidestep statutory limits on interim appointments. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026 Any final sentence would be determined by a judge based on federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026 Meany was charged with making false statements during his interview with the FBI, a felony that has a statutory maximum of five years in prison. Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026 The most common types of relief include first-time abatement, reasonable cause and statutory exceptions. Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statutory

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of statutory was in 1678

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statutory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statutory. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

statutory

adjective
stat·​u·​to·​ry ˈstach-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce statutory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
1
: of or relating to statutes
2
: regulated by statute
3
: punishable by statute

Legal Definition

statutory

adjective
stat·​u·​to·​ry ˈsta-chə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce statutory (audio)
1
: of or relating to a statute or statutes
a statutory provision
2
: enacted, created, regulated, or defined by statute
a statutory presumption
a statutory insider
statutorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on statutory

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster