Synonyms of statute

statute

noun

ˈsta-(ˌ)chüt 

as in law

a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature

a new antilittering statute

Synonyms & Similar Words

• law
• act
• bill
• ordinance
• amendment
• legislation
• enactment
• constitution
• prohibition
• decree
• rule
• ruling
• regulation
• commandment
• edict
• directive
• fiat
• bylaw
• common law
• restriction
• martial law
• ground rule
• dictate
• proscription
• command
• canon
• blue law
• capitulary
• encyclical

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

Recent Examples of statute

The city has been considering building a King memorial there for about six years with an initiative for a new statute started by then-Councilman Chris Smitherman, according to Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long's office. —Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025

The judge's 23-page opinion states that the Department of Homeland Security's move to terminate the legal protections early violates the TPS statute that requires a certain amount of notice before reconsidering a designation. —arkansasonline.com, 3 July 2025

In a 6-3 ruling Friday, the justices limited the ability of lone federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions that restrict the ability of the executive branch to enforce statutes or regulations. —Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025

But Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul sued at the time, challenging the law, and the issue of how to interpret the 1849 statute has been in the courts since June of 2022. —Maayan Silver, NPR, 2 July 2025