1
2
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

3
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 Kuala Lumpur has also agreed to uphold and effectively enforce its labor laws, establish proper institutions to protect worker rights, and apply legal sanctions for violations. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025 Muñoz said while the workers should not have been here without the proper work visas, there needed to be a change in US law to allow for the kind of work. Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025 The lawsuit alleges that the shower water reached 134-136 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding the 120-degree maximum permitted by law. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Ford earned his law degree in 1941, graduating in the top 25% of his class. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for law
Noun
  • This act would make daylight saving time permanent and end the bi-annual tradition of changing the clocks.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The film’s tonal balancing act — mixing absurdist humor with Anderson’s trademark intensity — seemed obviously comedic to casual awards observers, and the filmmakers, along with studio awards strategists, felt similarly.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Odinga, who served prison time for his steadfast support for democracy and political reform, played a critical role in replacing a colonial-era charter with the country’s current constitution, which imposes clearer limits on presidential power.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Wisconsin is one of 39 states allowing some form of sports betting, but under its constitution, only on tribal lands.
    Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • First responders were called after Scholtes' wife arrived home three hours after Scholtes and found their daughter inside the vehicle, according to a police report.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • West Memphis police took over the pursuit with assistance from state troopers, the release says.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Two Senate Democrats -- John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada -- have supported the House bill.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In comparison, Elizabeth Holmes, who was convicted of defrauding investors in the Theranos case, reportedly ended up with a legal bill of roughly $30 million.
    Ken Sweet, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Along with the legal near-miss, the staff report found that Chua’s actions violated several city codes, including by directing a staff member without going through the city manager and by improperly calling a meeting.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, she's created a crystal jewelry line inspired by sacred codes, which has become a favorite of celebrities like Janet Jackson and Billie Eilish.
    Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The committee voted to ask Attorney General Josh Kaul to opine on whether grooming falls under the statute related to immoral conduct, which allows DPI to revoke a license if an educator violates it.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Preservation experts note that the White House grounds are governed by multiple overlapping statutes, though the Executive Residence has historically been treated as exempt from some federal planning reviews.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Should the town change any ordinances or rules to alter how development occurs?
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Under the ordinance, council members reserve the right to further restrict food truck hours as the World Cup approaches.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In response to that legislation, De Anza developed new assessment practices, curriculum and other services that support students in completing those college-level courses.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!