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 Among other provisions, the act would override state right-to-work laws, racist and anti-union statutes that are common in southeastern and heartland states. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024 Another variance, experts say, is that while Bostock involved interpreting a statute, Skrmetti will involve interpreting the Constitution itself. —

Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Dec. 2024 This ruling came under California’s anti-SLAPP statute protecting people who are unfairly sued for exercising their right to free speech. —

Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Nov. 2024 This makes New Jersey’s law the only privacy statute in the US that guarantees people a court payout when requests to keep information private are ignored. —

Paresh Dave, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for statute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute

Noun

The firm is accusing these parties of violating various Texas state laws by allegedly offering a former client of Buzbee's money in exchange for suing his company.

Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
Indiana's new deep-fake election law doesn't cover that.

Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Dec. 2024