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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Synonym Chooser

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 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 Citing the Buddhist precept of non-violence, Gaitok owns up to not having a killer instinct. —Dan Heching, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 By conforming them to the precepts of reality TV, the show does not live up to its stars’ actual weirdness. —Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 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
  • Articulate openly and transparently why these principles are fundamental to the operating culture, particularly when under scrutiny or attack.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Emergent behavior is the principle of a superorganism.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of principle
Noun
  • Start today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
  • However, this looks likely to change according to a recent Android Authority report that reveals two new secret subscription plans hidden within the code of the latest Google Photos app.
    — Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of code
Noun
  • It’s become a political axiom of sorts that policies championed largely by Democratic city leaders over the past half decade have resulted in rising crime levels.
    — Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Donald Trump and his gleeful chainsaw-wielding quasi-cabinet department leader Elon Musk should be made aware that the same axiom applies to geopolitics.
    — Letters to the editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • The only issue with the price Chelsea Women was sold for was that they were bought by their parent company in a move that helped the men’s team comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in 2023-24.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The top attorney for a California board that enforces labor rules said Thursday that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office may have violated state law over its handling of an order directing many public employees to work in person four days a week.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Wier initially didn’t receive credit for her connection series in the routine, lowering the start value.
    — Henry Chappell, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Castellanos, in previous years, might not have seen the bigger value in that.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of value
Noun
  • Is there one particular maxim or comment that’s your favorite?
    — Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Senior leaders can keep certain maxims in mind to shape a constructive message that’s both insightful and impactful.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • The state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • My greatest wish is that through organizations like Planned Parenthood and the action of everyday citizens, no woman will need to sacrifice her dreams, her health or humanity because of restrictive laws or lack of resources.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Cathie Wood's $1.5 million forecast is fueled by institutional FOMO, not fundamentals.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • As for Nvidia, Cramer voiced concerns about how the stock has become hostage to short-term investors who focus on high risk, leveraged ETFs and daily option trades, causing the stock to become divorced from its fundamentals.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.

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