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 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 Unfortunately, enforcing those as presumably non-negotiable and non-yielding precepts into conventional AI is a questionable proposition. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Citing the Buddhist precept of non-violence, Gaitok owns up to not having a killer instinct. Dan Heching, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept
Noun
  • That's exactly the principle behind the Della Mini Split.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Under normal principles of privacy law, information ceases to be private once it is widely known by the public.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 10 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
  • The officers told the men they were detained because the vehicle’s lights were on while stationary — an unlawful interpretation of Chicago’s municipal code, COPA later found.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • But the soul of the Scorpion was not easily vanquished, proving the axiom that driving a slow car fast is better than driving a fast car slow.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
  • It’s become a political axiom of sorts that policies championed largely by Democratic city leaders over the past half decade have resulted in rising crime levels.
    Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Israeli military rule would last nearly four decades, during which Hamas emerged as a splinter of the Muslim Brotherhood movement in the 1980s, until a 2005 disengagement.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • Naturally, this rule tends not to apply to celebrities.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Rising real estate values and increasing development also drove up costs.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • But a deluge of people applying Ghibli’s style like an Instagram filter, without adding any genuine creative value, isn’t a collective effort to advance our visual culture.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • War is hell — and Warfare does its damnedest to honor that old maxim.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Here, 20 Forbes Coaches Council members share some essential maxims for senior leaders to follow when offering feedback to direct reports, along with why these principles are so useful for providing guidance to build strong, high-performing teams. 1.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Michigan’s no-fault car insurance laws and a high percentage of uninsured drivers make car insurance in this state expensive.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Tailoring is always a fundamental in this equation.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 19 May 2025
  • Too often, promising technology overlooks fundamentals like physician workflow or human experience.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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