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 Europe upgraded its airline consumer laws this summer to eliminate cases like hers. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Strantz holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee and an undergraduate degree from Memphis. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026 Caruso was among the 95 state representatives who voted to pass the new law in 2023; 14 lawmakers voted against it. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 Akhundzada reportedly made statements reaffirming the Taliban’s intention to govern according to its interpretation of sharia (Islamic law) throughout the country. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for law

Recent Examples of Synonyms for law

Noun

In a courtroom three blocks away, attorney Michael Sanft was performing his own high-wire act.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Just last week, the singer was tied with Maroon 5, as both acts had collected a milestone 15 leaders.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of act

Noun

In November, Florida voters have the chance to amend the state constitution to rewrite how local governments charge property taxes on primary residences.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Some political actors are warning that a vote during wartime, which would require changes to Ukraine’s constitution and other laws, could aid Russia by destabilizing the government and dividing society.

— David L. Stern, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of constitution

Noun

The West was the domain of Knight and Death Row Records, which, police claim, had long-standing connections with the Crips' rivals, the Bloods.

— Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Once the discovery was made, the workers contacted the property owner who then called the police, Feys told VTM.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of police

Noun

That case left Harry facing a potential bill for millions of pounds after the court ruled the plaintiffs were liable for the publisher’s legal fees.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
Assembly Appropriations Committee Chair Buffy Wicks, who controls what survives her committee, did not respond to questions about her decision to effectively kill the oversight bill there.

— Julie Watts August 20, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of bill

Noun

Mayne said the rule will require bar codes on every batch of produce, so contamination can be tracked within 24 hours to its source, whether that's a specific field or washing facility.

— Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026
One giant impact The researchers began by creating impact scenarios for Deimos using a computer code called the Bern Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, or SPH.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of code

Noun

The Kenosha County District Attorney's Office is charging Frank McGrath with two felony counts of misconduct in public office, in violation of Wisconsin statute.

— Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 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

Definition of statute

Noun

Patriarchal norms are increasingly challenged by women empowered by progressive legislation that requires half of political parties’ candidates to be women and, at least on paper, guarantees women’s access to land ownership.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
The debate comes as California lawmakers continue considering legislation aimed at limiting the role of private companies and state and local agencies in federal immigration enforcement.

— Steve Large, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of legislation

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“Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of law

noun

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Synonyms of law

noun

Synonym Chooser

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Phrases Containing law

Browse Nearby Words

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