STATUTE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

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 next

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

higher law

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 eight cases represented the largest dollar amount and number of people to come before the state legislature for wrongful conviction claims since the state created the statute in 2008, according to Winfield. —

Yash Roy, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025 To him, the Platte County Commission’s unanimous vote was not an overturn or override of the voters in Platte because the statute has given the commission the authority to make the final decision. —

Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025 The specific statute is for theft of items valued over $100,000. —

Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2025 Gaines said his understanding was that any programs not required by congressional statute are especially vulnerable. —

Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for statute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute

Noun

This law set the nationwide dates of daylight saving time from the last Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.

— Beth Ann Malow, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2025
But the deal would ultimately involve the purchase of bricks and mortar, or their construction: a simple and predictable future course of actions or change in ownership of property, protected and cosseted by lawyers and courts – by the rule of law.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025

Definition of law

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status quo

statute

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“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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Last Updated: 12 Mar 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of statute

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Can you solve 4 words at once?

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13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words

Games & Quizzes