Thesaurus results for PRECEPT

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

Some common synonyms of precept are canon , law , ordinance , regulation , rule , and statute . While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching. // the precepts of effective writing

Q: In what contexts can 'canon' take the place of 'precept'?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might 'law' be a better fit than 'precept'?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, 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: Where would 'ordinance' be a reasonable alternative to 'precept'?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, 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 could 'regulation' be used to replace 'precept'?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system. // regulations affecting nuclear power plants

Q: When would 'rule' be a good substitute for 'precept'?

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

Q: When can 'statute' be used instead of 'precept'?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body. // a statute requiring the use of seat belts

precept

noun

Definition of precept

as in principle

formal a statement by an authority of how people should behave the moral precepts of a religion

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How is the word precept distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precept are canon, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can canon take the place of precept?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might law be a better fit than precept?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

Where would ordinance be a reasonable alternative to precept?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, 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 could regulation be used to replace precept?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would rule be a good substitute for precept?

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

the rules of the game

When can statute be used instead of precept?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, 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 precept Shi was also alleged to have committed criminal offenses and violated Buddhist precepts by maintaining relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathering at least one child, according to a notice from the temple’s authority on its WeChat account at that time. — Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 On May 6, 2026, a historic ceremony was held where a robot received the Buddhist precepts from a monk. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026 Yet, their rise did contribute to the prevention of the power of a single individual who would thwart the precepts of the Constitution. — Richard Davis, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026 But Felder also feared that the attack would provoke unprecedented violence against Palestinians, and believed that being Jewish required adhering to certain moral precepts. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precept

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept

Noun

The episode highlights the dangers of placing party loyalty above principle and calls for an electoral system that gives voters greater choice, rewards compromise and strengthens representative democracy.

— Kevin Richardson, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Critics say its removal contradicts the program’s founding mission and longstanding curatorial principles.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of principle

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

The question fascinated David Hilbert, a renowned mathematician who had devoted much of his life to rebuilding physics on a sturdy foundation of crisp axioms.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Yes, the Greeks made remarkable advances in mathematics, but mostly in geometry, which is about solid, stable objects and uses a strict hierarchy of axioms, rules, and procedures—very Platonic.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of axiom

Noun

The Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC have all passed similar rules against signing the players, along with penalties against teams for doing so.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Fisheries as the sticking point Under EU rules, fishing quotas are based on historical fishing patterns, among other things.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of rule

Noun

Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority CEO Doug Kreulen said Parton’s life exemplified the values the airport seeks to nurture.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
While several major Wall Street financial institutions are set to report their earnings this week, analysts told CNBC that the market is currently more focused on tech stocks, which now need to prove their value.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of value

Noun

Bonta, New York's Attorney General Letitia James, and 14 other state attorneys filed a lawsuit against TikTok in 2024 for violating consumer protection laws.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Courts in Texas, Louisiana and elsewhere aren’t bound by 10th Circuit precedent and can reach different or even opposite decisions on the exact same questions of law.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

The oil market is not trading on fundamentals and has not been for months now, said Amrita Sen, founder of Energy Aspects.

— Spencer Kimball,Justina Lee, CNBC, 18 June 2026
But for investors and families willing to focus on fundamentals rather than forecasts, the path to long-term prosperity remains very much intact.

— Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026

Definition of fundamental

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preceding

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“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of precept

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