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 Israel doesn’t recognize the ICC, but it is bound by the statute of the ICJ as a UN member state. —Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, in 2023, Japan’s Supreme Court struck down a 20-year-old statute mandating trans people to be surgically sterilized in order to change their legal gender marker. —Abby Monteil, Them., 21 Oct. 2025 But Smart & Safe Florida argued that there is no statute in Florida requiring that the full text be displayed to a voter. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025 The filing on Monday does not explain the grounds on which Combs will base his appeal, but his attorneys have previously argued the conviction should not stand because the statute, transportation for the purposes of prostitution, does not apply. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for statute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute
  1. law
  2. act
  3. bill
  4. ordinance
  5. amendment
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of 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
Definition of act
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
Definition of bill
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
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • The Fifteenth Amendment of the US Constitution was the last of three amendments made after the end of the Civil War as part of the Southern Reconstruction.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Ingoglia and DeSantis want Florida voters to mandate tax cuts through constitutional amendments next year, which could include eliminating property taxes on primary residences.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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