as in principle
formal
a statement by an authority of how people should behave
the moral precepts of a religion
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Recent Examples of precept
As President Donald Trump announced a blizzard of trade-threat changes on the eve of his Aug. 1 deadline, one precept is essential.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025
In fact, California seemed to care little about his nation’s history, precepts, rules.
—Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
In 2008, some of its precepts were enshrined in Ecuador’s constitution, a development that has helped to protect the country’s waterways—an example of policy that Macfarlane sees as a cause for optimism.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
This is considered an inductive form of learning, namely that by looking at lots of examples, the hope is to learn generalized precepts based on the examples.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precept
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025
In fact, California seemed to care little about his nation’s history, precepts, rules.
—Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
In 2008, some of its precepts were enshrined in Ecuador’s constitution, a development that has helped to protect the country’s waterways—an example of policy that Macfarlane sees as a cause for optimism.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
This is considered an inductive form of learning, namely that by looking at lots of examples, the hope is to learn generalized precepts based on the examples.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept
Noun
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But in this case, the Nuggets might not have enough room on their books for Watson next summer, if avoiding the second apron remains a guiding principle for team ownership.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
26 Oct. 2025
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California Common Cause likewise tossed its principles aside.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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Read More: Why Trump Didn't Deserve the Nobel Peace Prize The Russian President is a man who lives by the axiom: give an inch, take a mile.—
Luke McGee,
Time,
21 Oct. 2025
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In other words, as Cleveland tore through the league last season, the players responded to most of the milestones reached with a collective shrug and worn axioms about nothing mattering until the playoffs.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The number of foreign residents has risen sharply in recent years, reaching a record 3 percent of the population in 2024, as Tokyo cautiously loosened visa rules for workers in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and caregiving.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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However, Laporta has now become closer to La Liga president Tebas, as Barca have looked for more flexibility in meeting the competition’s strict financial sustainability rules.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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After evaluating nine different pairs for comfort, support, and value, the Hoka Mach 6 Sneakers proved to be the best for everyday wear.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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Even more suggestive of charter value, Rick Ware and Legacy Motor Club have battled in court over the sale of a charter for $45 million.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Visitors who travel down a dirt road to The Hollow — named for the hollow-core concrete that made Mellor wealthy — can enter the compound through a dark, cavernous passage lined with neon signs illuminating maxims from the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Flynn.—
Arthur Allen,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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Sarr’s advocates counter with one of basketball’s maxims: Young centers, especially lanky ones such as Sarr, usually require more time to develop physically than perimeter players.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The restoration aligns with federal responsibilities under historic-preservation law and recent executive orders to beautify the nation's capital and restore pre-existing statues.—
NPR,
NPR,
28 Oct. 2025
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All enclosures are at least eight times larger than what is required by federal law and evaluated annually by federal and state veterinarians, the Fechters said.—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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