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 As President Donald Trump announced a blizzard of trade-threat changes on the eve of his Aug. 1 deadline, one precept is essential. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025 In fact, California seemed to care little about his nation’s history, precepts, rules. Literary Hub, 3 July 2025 In 2008, some of its precepts were enshrined in Ecuador’s constitution, a development that has helped to protect the country’s waterways—an example of policy that Macfarlane sees as a cause for optimism. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 This is considered an inductive form of learning, namely that by looking at lots of examples, the hope is to learn generalized precepts based on the examples. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept
Noun
  • But our design principle has always been trying to avoid accidents as much as possible.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Sep. 2025
  • In the lawsuit, lawyers for the state and the city said the move breached the principles of the US Constitution and risked stoking new unrest.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The computer scientists used an AI program to generate DNA codes for more than 75,000 variants of hazardous proteins – and the firewalls used by DNA manufacturers weren't consistently able to catch them.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
  • With the platform, numerous small businesses have created their first professional websites with no line of code written.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But is that axiom true if someone's only gone a few hours?
    David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Rob Picciolo axiom of ’98 that a ballplayer shouldn’t be surprised by anything that happens in a game, Cronenworth got a great jump out of the batter’s box, cornered first base precisely and made a crisp slide into second base.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Schools must follow state mandates on instructional hours, but states typically don’t set strict rules on how long a lunch period should be, so some principals whittle it down to twenty or twenty-five minutes.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025
  • According to the rules laid down by Nobel in his 1895 will, the prizes can only honor up to three people per award — a growing challenge given the collaborative nature of much scientific research.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The company decreased total water use across its operations and value chain by 32 percent from its fiscal 2020 baseline.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Stewardship speaking, the organization’s total water usage, across its operations and value chain, dropped 32 percent against the 2020 baseline—some 12 percent above and beyond the 20 percent reduction goal.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And how does Simonson feel about my own Martini maxim: that it must be served with an odd number of olives, while an even number represents the apocalypse.
    Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Sonicare brushing app is proof that this maxim couldn’t be truer.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Safety information California law states that everyone under the age of 18 years must wear a bike helmet while riding a bicycle.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Vedra and other debt law experts said a high rate of default judgments indicates a system that favors the pursuers over the pursued — and increases the chances someone will be harmed by an erroneous bill.
    Rae Ellen Bichell, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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