1
2
as in constitution
a collection or system of rules of conduct it's important to obey the law at all times, or else you might end up in jail

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in police
the department of government that keeps order, fights crime, and enforces statutes a petty thief who had somehow managed to avoid the law for most of his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word law distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of law are canon, ordinance, precept, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words 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

When could canon be used to replace law?

In some situations, the words canon and law are roughly equivalent. However, canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

When can ordinance be used instead of law?

While in some cases nearly identical to law, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

When would precept be a good substitute for law?

The words precept and law can be used in similar contexts, but precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

When might regulation be a better fit than law?

The meanings of regulation and law largely overlap; however, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When is rule a more appropriate choice than law?

The words rule and law are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When is it sensible to use statute instead of law?

Although the words statute and law have much in common, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

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 law These laws have had the backing of the retail industry and many law enforcement groups. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 For instance, Curt Flood’s historic case against Major League Baseball wasn’t sports law, but instead an antitrust case involving a baseball player. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Ninety percent of Republican and 52% of Democrats approved the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a Tennessee law that bans transgender treatment for youths under 18. Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Doing that will depend, in part, on the state legislature, since some vaccine mandates are written into state law. Michelle Marchante september 8, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for law
Noun
  • That brief three-month double act between an executive chairman and a CEO is now over.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is part of our constitution.
    Leila Fadel, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The 74-year-old had called the vote under article 49 of the French constitution to pressure lawmakers to back his proposal to slash €44 billion ($52 billion) from the 2026 budget in a bid to reduce the country’s fiscal deficit.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The university initially stated on social media that a suspect was in custody, but Scott Trotter, a university spokesman, told the New York Times and Deseret News that police determined the person who was taken into custody was not the shooter.
    George Petras, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • More than 3,000 people were estimated to be at the event, according to the university's police chief, Jeff Long.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The moratorium provision was ultimately stripped from the bill before final passage.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The 29-year-old agreed with the caveat that the 31-year-old friend would fit the bill for all of the ingredients used for the food.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Scrapp scans waste using QR codes and educates users on the best method of disposal.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As many tax practitioners predicted, the IRS is relying on new box codes to address new deductions, like the tip deduction.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Renaming the department would require an act of Congress, as executive orders cannot override federal laws and statutes.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The federal statute prohibits discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funding.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • O’Connell updated a city ordinance that required immigration enforcement to be reported to his office, and endorsed The Belonging Fund, which provided aid to families affected by the raids.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In May, the West Memphis City Council unanimously approved two ordinances authorizing a $10 billion payment-in-lieu of taxes agreement between the city and an unnamed company.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The 2020 legislation also created penalties for using a bot to get around an online sales platform’s cap on ticket sales and then reselling those tickets at inflated prices.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The payments are required under legislation passed to keep the Brewers in Milwaukee.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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