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

Relevance

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
  • Advertisement Advertisement The principles of a free, open, and peaceful space are enshrined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which all major space powers have ratified, including the U.S., Russia, and China.
    — Andrew Hanna, Time, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of principle
Noun
  • Even though the costumes reflect the sartorial codes of the 14th century, a majority of the pieces that Georgiadis made complement the choreography.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • How to Redeem This DraftKings Promo Code Offer First things first, players can skip the promo code.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of code
Noun
  • There’s an old axiom in physics, which states that nature abhors a vacuum.
    — Letters to the editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
  • There is a lot of axiomatics, which seems to be closer to the Greeks, but aren’t the axioms largely chosen at will?
    — Simone Weil, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
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
  • No matter the event, the value always comes back to the relationships between the members and the emphasis on uncovering the value of a holistic approach to ambition and a life well lived.
    — Kody Boye, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of value
Noun
  • Many corporate leaders still adhere to Milton Friedman’s maxim that the primary purpose of a company is to maximize shareholder returns.
    — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Lamar Alexander reminded me of a maxim from the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the conservative icon.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of maxim
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
  • Landry, who signed the legislation into law in March 2024, appointed five new people to the seven-member board.
    — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Instead, try the Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer and IT Super Skills Bundle for a comprehensive breakdown of cybersecurity fundamentals.
    — StackCommerce Team (Sponsored), PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In a market marked by volatility and uncertainty, Philip Morris continues to shine with strong fundamentals and a strategic position that has enabled it to weather global economic headwinds effectively.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

preceding
precept
preceptor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on precept

Nglish: Translation of precept for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All