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

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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 Kobrin argued that the General Assembly's authority to propose a constitutional amendment comes directly from the state Constitution and, because of that, lawmakers can override statutes such as the July 1 deadline. — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Other vaccine requirements, such as for measles, polio and mumps, are in state statute and would require the Legislature’s sign-off to be repealed. — Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 Hernandez was charged with two counts of misconduct of a ship officer resulting in death under the seaman’s manslaughter statute and released on a $50,000 bond at his presentment in Manhattan federal court two days after the incident. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026 The special statute would appear to stop in its tracks opposition efforts like the one telegraphed by Chatten-Brown Law Group. — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute

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 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

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

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

The Public Advocates Office, the independent consumer advocate at the Public Utilities Commission, said recent amendments to the bill did not address its concerns about shifting costs from one group of ratepayers to another.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Apply Amendments If the results of the soil sample indicate the need for amendments, they should be applied before reseeding.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of amendment

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statute

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Cite this Entry

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

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Synonyms of statute

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Synonyms of statute

noun

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Example Sentences

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A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on statute

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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