Thesaurus results for STATUTE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

statute

noun

ˈsta-(ˌ)chüt

Definition of statute

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

Relevance

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 The Herald reached out to both NSU and Cornell, but representatives declined to discuss his records, citing federal statutes protecting students’ privacy. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 The Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that HHS couldn’t vary payment rates by hospital group without first conducting the acquisition-cost survey required by statute. — Casey B. Mulligan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 Others have more broad statutes prohibiting any kind of intimidating behavior. — Danielle Friedman, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 While there is no formal domestic terrorism statute, the Justice Department has historically used a variety of other criminal laws to charge violent extremists and pursued terrorism enhancements at sentencing. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute

Noun

The Social Security Trustees project that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, will deplete its reserves in the fourth quarter of 2032 under current law.

— Ray R. Harris, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Until a 1917 church law was revised in 1983, those who died by suicide were denied Catholic burials on consecrated grounds.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

At one point, Soulan points out that the crime of fuel-smuggling is minor compared to the barons profiting off the very same — and shouldn’t the motivation, the practical outcome of the act, count for something?

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
The high-wire act that followed—in which performers had to make these bland conceits into something funny without, ostensibly, preparing any jokes in advance—introduced a tension that made sketch shows feel sedate and uneven by comparison.

— Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of act

Noun

Many advisors also aim to reduce your lifetime tax bill with such strategies as selling profitable assets during your lower income years.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Income, bills, savings goals and family expenses shift, and the treat budget should reflect what the household can afford now.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of bill

Noun

The ordinance placed on first reading would apply to all new developments, unless the land is zoned agricultural or residential.

— Lynn Kutter, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Both the Los Angeles Police Department and city attorney’s office declined to answer questions about how the new ordinance would be enforced.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of ordinance

Noun

The amendment sets the groundwork for Highfill to issue a new 2026 water and sewer revenue bond to fund upcoming improvements to its water utilities.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
But that would be a huge political lift, perhaps requiring a constitutional amendment.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of amendment

Browse Nearby Words

status quo

statute

statutes

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of statute

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on statute

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of statute

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to statute

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on statute

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes