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 For example, Connecticut’s Risk of Injury to a Child statute applies only to children under the age of 16. — Keith Wortz, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 There are no federal protections against this skullduggery, and only 10 states have enacted dedicated statutes to combat the problem, according to Equity Protect. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026 House Democrats announced a probe into StubHub in July, and both Baker and the company were hit with a class action suit over claims of fraudulent misrepresentation and violation of state consumer protection statutes. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 Nearly two dozen states have laws that bar betting on elections, but many aren't sure if its statutes include trades made on event contracts. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute

Noun

The governor also signed a bill into law Friday requiring the Illinois Department of Insurance to study how healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies participate in the 340B program.

— Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
Friday afternoon, White House counsel released a letter to congressional leaders emphasizing that the 'Protect College Sports Act' would not preempt current state laws that prohibit men for competing in women's sports.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

While investigations into their death continues, experts say there are indications that some of the influencers did have relationships with criminal organizations and were killed as acts of reprisal by rival factions.

— Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
After working for more than a decade in club music’s trenches, the brothers now aspired to be not merely DJs, but a dance-music act known for spectacular live performances.

— Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of act

Noun

Europeans also face the prospect of hikes to their energy bills this winter, as natural gas prices climb.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
The Republican Party has ignored the national debt every time Republican presidents have signed bills that have cut taxes on the wealthy.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of bill

Noun

The city of Centennial is now proposing an ordinance to crack down on these behaviors.

— Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
In 2025, the county passed a zoning ordinance essentially expanding an existing data center campus centered on a brownfield near Adamstown, but preventing data center development elsewhere.

— Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of ordinance

Noun

This amendment would allow the state Legislature to create the Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund.

— Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The amendment aims to prevent players from hiding insults or other abuse — including discriminatory remarks — behind their hand, arm or jersey.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of amendment

Browse Nearby Words

status quo

statute

statutes

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“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of statute

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Synonyms of statute

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to statute

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on statute

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

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Popular in Wordplay

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The Longest Long Words List

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