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 For starters, an executive order can’t conflict with a federal statute. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 May 2025 Those statutes could carry sentences of decades in prison. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025 The question for the Supreme Court on Tuesday is whether the statute, as amended, now allows victims to sue, period. Christina Gatti, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025 In an office-wide email obtained by ProPublica, Martin quoted an unnamed contact who compared the DOJ’s use of the obstruction statute to President Franklin Roosevelt’s decision to imprison more than 100,000 Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II. Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for statute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute
Noun
  • Another point of contention at the convention came from Utah Senate Bill 54, a law that has grown controversial to members of the Utah GOP.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Balancing family and business is often framed as an impossible juggling act—one where something always has to give.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Brought in as a response to 66 fans losing their lives in a crush at Ibrox four years earlier, the act (known as the Green Guide) introduced a compulsory licensing system for grounds in the top two divisions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 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
  • Carney cited Mooresville’s annual increase in the number of utility bills, from 181,138 in fiscal 2024 to 186,403 in fiscal 2025, through March 31.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • The amendment was ratified in 1868, seven years before the Page Act of 1875 became the nation’s first restrictive immigration law, largely banning the entry of Chinese women.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
  • The amendment also allows later abortions to protect the life or health of pregnant women.
    David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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