Synonym Chooser

How is the word statute distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of statute are canon, law, ordinance, precept, regulation, and rule. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

In what contexts can canon take the place of statute?

While the synonyms canon and statute are close in meaning, canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

Where would law be a reasonable alternative to statute?

In some situations, the words law and statute are roughly equivalent. However, 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 can ordinance be used instead of statute?

While in some cases nearly identical to statute, 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 is it sensible to use precept instead of statute?

Although the words precept and statute have much in common, 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 statute?

The words regulation and statute can be used in similar contexts, but 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 statute?

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

the rules of the game

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 statute McLaughlin sued McKesson in 2014, alleging violations of the TCPA without the notice to opt out required under the statute. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 Since his arrest, several foreign students and academics have been targeted under the foreign policy statute. Nik Popli, Time, 20 June 2025 Under a very targeted reading of an obscure statute, Trump moved to federalize the Golden State National Guard on June 7 without Newsom’s consent in response to protests over a flood of ICE raids in and around LA on June 6. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2025 And in the courts, Trump administration lawyers are digging deep into case law in search of archaic statutes that can be cited to justify the ongoing federal crackdown — including constitutional maneuvers invented to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for statute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute
Noun
  • Nowhere is this truer than Wimbledon, which has always been a law unto itself. — Caoimhe O’Neill contributed reporting.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • Sotomayor wrote her own dissent of the majority’s ruling that fuel producers can challenge California emissions standards under a federal air pollution law.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Yet a war with Iran may be enough to seemingly legitimize his use of the act.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
  • Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of goodwill to the benefit of every human everywhere.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • That's the promise of this country, and that's the promise this bill delivers.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Two bills this year — one by me (SB 16) and one from state Senator Josh Becker (SB 606) — would bolster this framework.
    Catherine Blakespear, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • An ordinance passed in 2024, which prohibits the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement, is at the center of the lawsuit.
    Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • The suit targets Los Angeles' ordinance that prohibits city resources from being used for immigration enforcement and bars local police from sharing information about individuals without legal status.
    Adeola Adeosun Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction.
    Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Senators will engage in what's being dubbed a vote-a-rama, beginning this morning where Senators have the opportunity to present amendments, which could in turn lead to hours of votes.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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