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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 If the waiver is granted, the legislature would not have to enact a statute for the Indiana finance authority to take action on tolling. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 Technically, per the Brennan Center for Justice, the law is combined into different statutes which were enacted by Congress between 1792 and 1871. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 There are now at least six federal statutes delegating some tariff authorities to the president, according to the Congressional Research Service. —Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025 The attorney general can consider financial and practical matters when determining which statutes to prioritize, experts said. —Matthew Cupelli, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 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 state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The behemoth of federal civil rights laws may originate with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but far too much of it has been invented by administrative agencies and courts.
    — The Editors, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The American judicial system looks at individuals, parses guilt and innocence, separates leaders from followers and is at pains to ensure no one gets blamed for the acts of others.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Monkeys were introduced for the 1904 season and a popular touring act called the High Diving Elks, which featured elks trained to jump from heights of more than 20 feet into a water tank.
    — Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • Just last week, the Florida House overwhelmingly approved a bill that would limit the governor’s role in university governance, including a provision barring him and members of his administration from discussing job vacancies.
    — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
  • More: Could a GOP bill prevent some married women from voting?
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Two men, ages 40 and 45, were arrested for battery and obstruction of a law enforcement officer, while a 28-year-old woman was arrested for vulgar language in violation of a city ordinance.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The ordinance would establish a nonprofit developer arm of the city’s Department of Housing to offer developers low-cost loans during construction.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • Critics of the law and the new constitutional amendment say Orban is using the LGBTQ+ community as a tool to shut down the right of Hungarian citizens to freely assemble in peaceful protests, particularly at a time when the opposition to Orban's rule is beginning to gain momentum.
    — Rob Schmitz, NPR, 20 Apr. 2025
  • One of the most glaring issues with the 2025 amendments is the focus on limiting state financial liability rather than addressing how abuse occurred within state institutions in the first place.
    — Diana Philip, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of amendment

Browse Nearby Words

status quo
statute
statutes
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Cite this Entry

“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 30 Apr. 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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