precept

noun

Definition of preceptnext
as in principle
formal a statement by an authority of how people should behave the moral precepts of a religion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 In a remarkably short time, the second Trump administration has upended many of the precepts that have guided international order since the end of World War II. —Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 There are so many negative defenders put out on a regular basis that even the best of team precepts are limited. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025 First, not everyone agrees that those four precepts are the precepts. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Unfortunately, enforcing those as presumably non-negotiable and non-yielding precepts into conventional AI is a questionable proposition. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept
  1. principle
  2. code
  3. axiom
  4. rule
  5. value
  6. maxim
  7. law
  8. fundamental
Noun
  • Her guiding principle, the high-low mix, is in full effect: Henry Louis Gates, Jr., on Hillary Clinton; Daphne Merkin on S & M. There are portraits by Annie Leibovitz and a meditation on Princess Diana.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
  • The same principle applies to Zegna’s garments in that each piece is designed to evoke a feeling deeper than aesthetics.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Definition of principle
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
  • Don’t forget to use code DADSGRADS50 to maximize your savings.
    — Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 13 June 2025
Definition of code
Noun
  • Zermelo developed nine simple axioms, that is, unproven basic assumptions, on which everything is based in math.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
  • In some, the conceit of rational or empirical investigation is coupled with a principle that resists being accounted for in that way: axioms of indifference or exhaustion; rulesof inference;principles of detachment; propertiesof between.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Though this deal brings some uniformity to the rules, states still have separate laws regarding how NIL can be doled out, which could lead to legal challenges.
    — Eddie Pells, Baltimore Sun, 7 June 2025
  • Supporters say the new rules are necessary to keep California on track for its climate goals.
    — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Moreover, Mercury and Jupiter will enter Cancer, bringing an influx of emotional energy to your second house of stability, finances and values, which also shifts your focus in the process.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • From Tesla's Cybertruck, Toyota's Tacoma, Honda's CR-V to Ford's F-150, experts weigh in on how a vehicle's value changes over time.
    — Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Definition of value
Noun
  • This is the sort of thing that young people think will never happen to them, but remember the maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
    — Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
  • That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • Oyun-Erdene’s supporters say his ouster had three drivers: Firstly, and with a dash of irony, his relentless pursuit of official graft, including a draft law his cabinet just submitted that would compel all public officials to justify their income.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 June 2025
  • Newsom said in a court filing on Thursday that troops had moved beyond those allowable duties to actively assist ICE agents in making arrests, in violation of a federal law known as the Posse Comitatus Act, which is designed to prevent the military from being used as a domestic police force.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Much of this comes down to homeowner fundamentals like remembering to change your AC filter.
    — Matt Fuchs, Time, 12 June 2025
  • Importantly, farmland’s underlying value remains rooted in biological fundamentals: Crops continue to grow, and land productivity endures regardless of broader market cycles.
    — Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

preceding
precept
preceptor
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Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of precept for Spanish Speakers

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