Thesaurus results for LAW

Q: How is the word 'law' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of law are canon , ordinance , precept , regulation , rule , and statute . While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," 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 could 'canon' be used to replace 'law'?

In some situations, the words canon and law are roughly equivalent. However, 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: When can 'ordinance' be used instead of 'law'?

While in some cases nearly identical to law , 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 would 'precept' be a good substitute for 'law'?

The words precept and law can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'law'?

The meanings of regulation and law largely overlap; however, 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 'law'?

The words rule and law are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations. // the rules of the game

Q: When is it sensible to use 'statute' instead of 'law'?

Although the words statute and law have much in common, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body. // a statute requiring the use of seat belts

law

noun

ˈlȯ

Definition of law

as in act

a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature a record number of laws were passed in that legislative session

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in constitution

a collection or system of rules of conduct it's important to obey the law at all times, or else you might end up in jail

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in police

the department of government that keeps order, fights crime, and enforces statutes a petty thief who had somehow managed to avoid the law for most of his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word law distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of law are canon, ordinance, precept, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," 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 could canon be used to replace law?

In some situations, the words canon and law are roughly equivalent. However, canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

When can ordinance be used instead of law?

While in some cases nearly identical to law, 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 would precept be a good substitute for law?

The words precept and law can be used in similar contexts, but 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 law?

The meanings of regulation and law largely overlap; however, 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 law?

The words rule and law are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When is it sensible to use statute instead of law?

Although the words statute and law have much in common, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

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 law Under existing law, studios can choose to get cash back instead of claiming the incentives as a credit against tax liability — but at the cost of a 10% discount, with a payback period of five years. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026 Some of these methods may vary based on your conversation with your neighbor and local laws. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026 Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1956, which was sponsored by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, D-Anaheim, into law Friday. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Samantha Parkington navigates grief and the lack of child labor laws. — Tara Strauch, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for law

Recent Examples of Synonyms for law

Noun

The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Here below, France’s own long-drink-of-water goalie Robin Risser does his best Beckham follow-on act with a stately Louis Vuitton carry-all with their trademark leather trim at the stress points.

— Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of act

Noun

At the time, Norway’s constitution stipulated that only male heirs could inherit the title.

— James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
The right of women to the ballot was formally made a part of the constitution of the United States today when Secretary of State Colby proclaimed ratification of the nineteenth amendment.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of constitution

Noun

Blytheville Police Chief John Frazier deferred to the state police when reached by phone on Sunday.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
According to the police documents obtained by Law & Crime, Weatherall, 22, ordered a Lyft ride to an apartment complex in Greenville.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of police

Noun

Elevating a home can take several months, and while this project would foot the entire bill for elevation, the pot of cash does not cover the costs of finding another place to live during construction.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
But your first goal is to make sure that one unexpected bill doesn't trigger a debt spiral — even $25 per pay period is a start.

— Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of bill

Noun

Semafor’s methodology and reproducible analysis code can be found in a public GitHub repository here.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
The moratorium is designed to pause approvals of new storage facilities while city staff prepares a study on their effects and considers updates to the city’s municipal code to address residents’ concerns.

— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of code

Noun

Such offenses are commonly prosecuted under voyeurism or invasion-of-privacy statutes, though some states have adopted laws specifically targeting upskirting.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
And the states argued that these practices violated state consumer protection statutes as well.

— Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of statute

Noun

Flinn suggested a motion for Yeager to forfeit his seat, and council members subsequently requested City Attorney Scott Gerken look into a malfeasance ordinance for Yeager’s retaliatory comments.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
The conversation shifted from tougher ordinances toward resource allocation and investing in third spaces, which are places outside of work, school or home.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ordinance

Noun

Congress also faces fall deadlines for transportation legislation and a farm bill.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
The tote got a further leg up in the 21st century, when an increasingly casual office culture began to leave the briefcase behind, and heightened environmental concerns (and at times, legislation) prompted shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.

— Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of legislation

Articles Related to law

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“Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of law

noun

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Synonyms of law

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing law

Browse Nearby Words

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