law

noun

ˈlȯ How to pronounce law (audio)
Definition of lawnext
1
as in act
a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature a record number of laws were passed in that legislative session

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 Routine use of the military is outlawed under the Posse Comitatus Act, except where explicitly authorized by law. —William Hartung, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Right now, federal troops are prohibited by federal law from making arrests and other law enforcement activity. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 By law, only sheriff’s departments in Florida are required to sign on to these agreements. —Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 Earlier this month, Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to the University of Notre Dame claiming its DEI policies may violate state and federal law. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for law
  1. act
  2. constitution
  3. police
  4. bill
  5. code
  6. statute
  7. ordinance
  8. legislation
Noun
  • Soon after, Nifty gets a potentially career making gig as the opening act for a singer at Havana’s best hotel.
    — Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Lying is a fundamental human act, and bluffing games of one sort or another are found in cultures around the globe.
    — Jason Anthony, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • Jean Duhon Hanson Dundee ICE agents must take responsibility for their actions Our country is capitulating to an ideology that says the police state is more important than any freedom guaranteed in our constitution.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2025
  • Already in existence before the Constitution arrived, state governments often did in their constitutions.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025
Definition of constitution
Noun
  • Hawk allegedly admitted to shooting Rooks in an interview with police.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 13 June 2025
  • Los Angeles law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the city’s police department, have responded to demonstrations throughout the city, at times deploying flash-bang grenades, projectiles and other crowd-control measures.
    — Bora Erden, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Definition of police
Noun
  • The bill passed the House 321-104 and now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2025
  • Substance use treatment Colorado’s fentanyl bill did more than just increase penalties.
    — Katherine LeMasters, The Conversation, 13 June 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • While bar tabs require handing over a physical credit card—something that feels outdated to a smartphone-native generation—Gen Z prefers the immediacy and security of tapping a phone or using a QR code.
    — Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
  • Additionally, hundreds more clearance fashion finds are on sale for an extra 50 percent off with code WOW50. J.Crew Factory Eyelet Midi Dress, $50 with code (orig.
    — Averi Baudler, People.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of code
Noun
  • And in the courts, Trump administration lawyers are digging deep into case law in search of archaic statutes that can be cited to justify the ongoing federal crackdown — including constitutional maneuvers invented to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
  • During the hearing, Shumate initially said the administration had complied with the three-prong test required by the statute.
    — Laura Strickler, NBC news, 13 June 2025
Definition of statute
Noun
  • The group, known as the L.A. Alliance for Tourism, Jobs and Progress, is hoping to persuade voters to repeal the ordinance.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • That change was made by the Boise City Council in 2021, closing the loophole in the ordinance.
    — Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2025
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • This sweeping legislation, combined with Trump’s recent executive order reversing key Biden-era cybersecurity initiatives, signals a tectonic shift in how the federal government approaches digital infrastructure, AI governance and national cyber defense.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • This legislation helps ensure Black communities are not left behind as transit technology moves forward.
    — Al Sharpton, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
Definition of legislation

Phrases Containing law

Browse Nearby Words

lavishness
law
law-abiding
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Cite this Entry

“Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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