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 But efforts at the federal level fell short, including a congressional attempt, in 1995, to enact a law making English the exclusive language of the federal government and repealing the bilingual requirements of the Voting Rights Act. Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 His reporting has resulted directly in the passage of five new laws. Scott MacFarlane 18, CBS News, 18 May 2025 President Obama’s signature law shifted Medicaid from its original purpose -- providing health care for the most vulnerable -- to covering able-bodied, working-age adults. Jennifer Butler, National Review, 18 May 2025 The Mahsa movement brought changes within society, but in Iran’s official cinema, which operates under the supervision of the government, censorship laws remain firmly in place. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for law
Noun
  • The shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. is a heinous act of antisemitic murder and terrorism.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
  • In this eerie tale about fear, lust, and female empowerment, the real question becomes whether this is an act of witchcraft—or a witch hunt.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Some saw personhood as politically impractical, especially after personhood amendments to state constitutions were rejected by voters in Colorado, Mississippi and North Dakota between 2008 and 2014.
    Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
  • The temporary constitution signed by al-Sharaa in March guarantees basic freedoms such as freedoms of opinion, expression and the press.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • He was later found and taken to the hospital by police before being arrested on a charge of murder.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • The outlet added that a motive has yet to be determined by police.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Last year legislators passed SB 292 which bans the manufacturing, selling or distributing of products containing PFAs beginning on Jan. 1, 2028, according to the bill’s analysis.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
  • Those rules would take effect in 2029 under the bill passed last week by the Ways and Means Committee.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • In exchange, the FOA expected to get access the code base, diagnostic codes for maintenance, and other IP.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • As the county code authorizes the county executive to simply reappoint the inspector general and an open search is not required, Madigan’s fate seems apparent.
    Emmet C. Davitt, Baltimore Sun, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Wrote the court: The State’s establishment of a religious charter school violates Oklahoma statutes Oklahoma Constitution, and the Establishment Clause.
    Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Another state statute regarding contractors also restricts the city’s ability to impose wage regulations on companies providing services under contract, Fox said.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • In addition to establishing lighting guidelines for the airport, the plan complies with the International Energy Conservation Code and local ordinances.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • The store's landlord has been cited for sign ordinance and building code violations in the past six months, according to public records.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The boards of directors of the AICPA and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) have approved the expansion of accountancy’s model legislation to include an additional path to CPA licensure.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The new legislation was signed into law by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on March 29 after being approved by the Utah State Senate in late February.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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