precept

Synonym Chooser

How is the word precept distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precept are canon, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can canon take the place of precept?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might law be a better fit than precept?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

Where would ordinance be a reasonable alternative to precept?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, 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 could regulation be used to replace precept?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would rule be a good substitute for precept?

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

the rules of the game

When can statute be used instead of precept?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, 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 precept That is a commonality of their overall design and architectural precepts. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 In a remarkably short time, the second Trump administration has upended many of the precepts that have guided international order since the end of World War II. Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 There are so many negative defenders put out on a regular basis that even the best of team precepts are limited. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025 First, not everyone agrees that those four precepts are the precepts. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept
Noun
  • The conservative Supreme Court on Friday delayed ruling on President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship, the bedrock principle that anyone born in the U.S. is automatically a citizen.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025
  • At a time when establishing clarity of first principles has never been more urgent, UF’s law school practically dared anyone to criticize the award for whitewashing the Constitution.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Shirting ranged from classic fits to oversized, and toyed with house codes in an asymmetric tank.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
  • As long as security instructions look like part of the usual experience, people will continue to run malicious code themselves.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Gödel showed that any system of axioms in mathematics permits the formulation of statements that can’t be shown to be true or false.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
  • Zermelo developed nine simple axioms, that is, unproven basic assumptions, on which everything is based in math.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • But if Ayatollah Khamenei and his regime is seriously weakened that could destabilize the rule of the theocrats.
    Ian Pannell, ABC News, 18 June 2025
  • Chef Black’s approach to fine dining breaks conventional rules, and that’s exactly what makes Grey Sweater special.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The mission was one of five awarded in 2023 to ULA under the NSSF Phase 2 task orders worth $566 million, but the individual value was not released by the DOD.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • The company went public in 2021 and has an enterprise value of $3.4 billion.
    Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • La Fontaine’s focus on animals and penchant for moral maxims must have immediately attracted her.
    Susan Gubar June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • For all the screenwriting manuals and maxims that insist on character goals and motivations and missions and all those things we’re supposed to have in real life too, there can be something riveting about a character with no plan at all.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And American law, then as now, tends to favor legacy over hustle.
    Aron Solomon June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • James Gabbert/Getty Images The Context Texas law allows people with a license to conceal carry a gun and to possess that gun on college campuses.
    Sophie Clark Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Investors should remain aware of that history, even as the current fundamentals appear strong.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Another reason for the overnight shift is that traders appear to be turning their focus back to oil market fundamentals.
    , CNBC, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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