Synonyms of law

law

noun

ˈlȯ 

1

as in act

a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature

a record number of laws were passed in that legislative session

Synonyms & Similar Words

• act
• bill
• statute
• ordinance
• legislation
• amendment
• constitution
• enactment
• prohibition
• rule
• ruling
• regulation
• decree
• commandment
• edict
• fiat
• directive
• bylaw
• martial law
• common law
• restriction
• dictate
• ground rule
• command
• canon
• proscription
• blue law
• capitulary
• encyclical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• higher law

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

• constitution
• code
• legislation
• decalogue
• canon
• discipline
• establishment
• common law

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

• police
• judiciary
• jurisprudence
• justice

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

Recent Examples of law

Routine use of the military is outlawed under the Posse Comitatus Act, except where explicitly authorized by law. —William Hartung, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

Right now, federal troops are prohibited by federal law from making arrests and other law enforcement activity. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 12 June 2025

By law, only sheriff’s departments in Florida are required to sign on to these agreements. —Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025

Earlier this month, Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to the University of Notre Dame claiming its DEI policies may violate state and federal law. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025

Phrases Containing law

• break the law
• court of law
• heir at law
• martial law