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 Both Washington and Colorado have enacted new pre-merger notification statutes that will take effect this summer, and other states have introduced or are considering similar legislation. —Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 By contrast, the equivalent state statute, with which they were charged previously in Hennepin County, carries a five-year maximum term. —Matt Sepic, Twin Cities, 10 June 2025 The statute exists for good reason—to prevent the militarization of civilian governance that characterized Reconstruction-era abuses. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 The Administration, in announcing the levies, instead cited a different statute, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (I.E.E.P.A.) of 1977, which previous Presidents have used to freeze foreign assets during national-security crises. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for statute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute
  1. law
  2. act
  3. bill
  4. ordinance
  5. amendment
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
  • 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
  • The bill passed the House 321-104 and now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2025
  • Terrible policy Perhaps Gabbard is sounding the alarm to discredit efforts — including a sanctions bill held up in Congress pending a green light from Trump — to pressure Putin into a meaningful negotiation on ending his war.
    — Marc Champion, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Definition of bill
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
  • An amendment tacked on at the 11th hour to a bill regulating what types of images a county appraisal district can post online appears poised to undo last year’s changes to how the Tarrant Appraisal District values property.
    — Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025
  • The language used to define hemp is similar to an amendment to the new Farm Bill that was approved last year by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 6 June 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 18 Jun. 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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