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 Now, some jurisdictions are exploring whether broader use of these statutes could prevent future tragedies. —Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 That was only 10 days before a group of state NIL statutes were set to go into effect. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Congress also wrote another statute on the unauthorized inspection or disclosure of tax returns or return information. —Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Another facet of the court battle is that Congress specifically authorized the CFPB's work in statute, so advocates contend Trump can't erase it with the stroke of a pen in an executive order. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Mar. 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 memo signed by Rubio also makes the case that another person, whose name is redacted, should be deportable under the same law.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • This relic of constitutional law, which the Supreme Court hasn’t taken seriously since its quiet death in the New Deal era, is more mythical than historical—holding, more or less, that Congress cannot delegate its lawmaking power to another branch of government.
    — Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • By the 1870s, the filibuster had become both a fixture of the political process and a noun — though it was initially applied to the person who gave the speeches, rather than the act of speaking itself, Merriam-Webster says.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Following the act of protest, the referee of the University of Maryland match -- which was not an NCAA tournament -- issued a black card to Turner, removing her from the competition.
    — Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • But lawmakers continued to vote down some appropriations bills, sending the group back to the drawing board.
    — Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Missouri House passed a new version of SAPA, 100-51, last week and the state Senate is also considering a similar bill.
    — Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Weiss said the prohibition was part of the city’s liquor ordinance.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The full council is expected to vote on the ordinance Thursday.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • That limits debate and only gives opponents until April 2 to submit amendments.
    — Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • House lawmakers Friday approved amendments to House Bill 96, which allows government entities to display only certain flags, such as the official Idaho, U.S. and state flags.
    — Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 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 16 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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