statute

noun

ˈsta-(ˌ)chüt How to pronounce statute (audio)
Definition of statutenext
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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Synonym Chooser

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 The city has been considering building a King memorial there for about six years with an initiative for a new statute started by then-Councilman Chris Smitherman, according to Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long's office. —Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 The judge's 23-page opinion states that the Department of Homeland Security's move to terminate the legal protections early violates the TPS statute that requires a certain amount of notice before reconsidering a designation. —arkansasonline.com, 3 July 2025 In a 6-3 ruling Friday, the justices limited the ability of lone federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions that restrict the ability of the executive branch to enforce statutes or regulations. —Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025 But Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul sued at the time, challenging the law, and the issue of how to interpret the 1849 statute has been in the courts since June of 2022. —Maayan Silver, NPR, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for statute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute
  1. law
  2. act
  3. bill
  4. ordinance
  5. amendment
Noun
  • Ohio's new law requires public school districts, charter schools and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools to ban students' use of cellphones in schools by Jan. 1, 2026.
    — Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
  • The Tennessee Court of Appeals struck a blow against the city on June 5 by ruling 2-1 that a state law that caps metropolitan councils at 20 members is constitutional.
    — Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 15 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
    — Time, Time, 9 July 2025
  • Forty-two years after that, Titus captured and destroyed the city of Jerusalem; that act avenged the murder of Christ.
    — Mary Jo Bang July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • Soon after, a pharmacy owned by the bill’s sponsor began selling the drug.
    — Sarah Cutler July 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2025
  • Directly affecting Tesla is the bill’s elimination of a $7,500 tax credit for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle, which was intended to make EVs more affordable for buyers and reduce carbon emissions.
    — Pia Singh, CNBC, 7 July 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Would a foreign government go to the trouble of financing opposition to a relatively minor change of ordinance in a county in the middle of the U.S.?
    — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 12 July 2025
  • The legislature has scheduled a meeting that morning to override White’s expected veto of the ordinance.
    — Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • The state’s General Assembly would have to pass that amendment before a vote.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • The plaintiffs want a declaratory judgment that the 2020 comprehensive plan amendment approval and rezoning be voided by the court, according to the lawsuit.
    — Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of amendment

Browse Nearby Words

status quo
statute
statutes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on statute

Nglish: Translation of statute for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statute

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