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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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 Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has said the department withheld or redacted about 200,000 pages based on privileges such as attorney-client communications and deliberative process protections—categories that Massie and Khanna argue are not allowed under the statute. —Nik Popli, Time, 10 Feb. 2026 That five- year statute has expired by any measure. —CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026 Carro, in September, dismissed terrorism charges after finding Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office had misapplied a statute enacted in the wake of 9/11. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026 Historically, Congress has played a role in facilitating access for voters through statute and constitutional amendments. —Carolyn Cavecche, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute
  1. law
  2. act
  3. bill
  4. ordinance
  5. amendment
Noun
  • In the days after the Bondi Beach massacre – allegedly committed by a father and son who had embraced Islamic State ideology – the government announced sweeping new gun laws, tougher rules on hate speech, and stronger powers for the home affairs minister to cancel visas on character grounds.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • These include physical resilience, self-defense, marksmanship, map reading, and military law.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • There is something very classic about these acts.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The act of measurement seemingly makes this hazy quantumness go away, replaced by something definite and more in line with our experience of classical reality.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of act
Noun
  • The first major task for Takaichi when the lower house reconvenes in mid-February is to work on a budget bill, delayed by the election, to fund economic measures that address rising costs and sluggish wages.
    — MARI YAMAGUCHI, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Michael Hicks weighs in on how a copy‑paste bill has lawmakers going after degrees Indiana doesn’t even offer in his latest op-ed.
    — Kurtcia Collazo, IndyStar, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Earlier, there were plans to renovate the building for new offices, but as demand for office space plunged after the pandemic, developer Tedesco says his company decided to use the new adaptive reuse ordinance to make it into residences.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Watson has argued that an ordinance is preferable to a charter amendment because it can be revised as needed, offering greater flexibility to council.
    — Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • But Sunday’s remarkable landslide mean the LDP now has enough seats to override votes in the upper house of parliament, to propose amendments to the constitution, and to chair all lower house committees alongside its coalition partner.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • After hearing testimony from about 40 witnesses, the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on the bill so the sponsors could work on amendments.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of amendment

Browse Nearby Words

status quo
statute
statutes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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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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