STATUTE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

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 next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

higher law

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

Examples 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 In the 53 years since the Baker Act took effect, the statute authored by late lawmaker Maxine Baker has entered the Florida vernacular as a verb. —

Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025 Even if a bill passed and Trump signed it into law, the statute could face immediate legal challenge on state law preemption and equal protection grounds. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Dec. 2024 This month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute, leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. —

Haleluya Hadero and Michelle Price, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024 New York doesn't have the death penalty, but the federal government has jurisdiction to seek the punishment with federal interest and alleged violations of federal statutes, the Death Penalty Information Center said in January. —

Mike Allen, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for statute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute

Noun

Outgoing President Joe Biden signed a law last April that gave ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok to an owner from the United States or one of its allies or face a ban.

— Clare Duffy, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The popular social video app went dark in the U.S. on Saturday night, just before the divestiture bill was set to became law at midnight on Jan. 19.

— Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Jan. 2025