Thesaurus results for PRECEPT

Q: How is the word 'precept' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precept are canon , law , ordinance , regulation , rule , and statute . While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching. // the precepts of effective writing

Q: In what contexts can 'canon' take the place of 'precept'?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but 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: When might 'law' be a better fit than 'precept'?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, 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: Where would 'ordinance' be a reasonable alternative to 'precept'?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, 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 could 'regulation' be used to replace 'precept'?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system. // regulations affecting nuclear power plants

Q: When would 'rule' be a good substitute for 'precept'?

The words rule and precept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations. // the rules of the game

Q: When can 'statute' be used instead of 'precept'?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body. // a statute requiring the use of seat belts

precept

noun

Definition of precept next

as in principle

formal a statement by an authority of how people should behave the moral precepts of a religion

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How is the word precept distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precept are canon, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can canon take the place of precept?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might law be a better fit than precept?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

Where would ordinance be a reasonable alternative to precept?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, 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 could regulation be used to replace precept?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would rule be a good substitute for precept?

The words rule and precept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When can statute be used instead of precept?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, 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 precept Some precepts are unassuming — practice tolerance, be generous towards those in need, regard humanity as a family. —

Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2025 Rival Dillard’s, a primarily Southern and Southwestern chain with 290 stores, has also seen modest growth by following those basic retail precepts. —

Phil Wahba, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025 That’s supposedly a solemn precept for performing therapy. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Change is inevitable, but the rapid destruction of the basic precepts upon which our government was formed is beyond dangerous. —

U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precept

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept

Noun

Part of the Fort Hill Wellness Series presented by the Naperville Park District, the hour-long discussion will cover the basic principles of cancer and how to navigate a colon cancer diagnosis, a news release said.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
For a deeper look at Cramer’s approach, read his Guide to Investing for his key investment principles.

— , CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of principle

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“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of precept

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