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 In a remarkably short time, the second Trump administration has upended many of the precepts that have guided international order since the end of World War II. —Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 There are so many negative defenders put out on a regular basis that even the best of team precepts are limited. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025 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 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
  • This principle seems obvious, yet many measurement approaches inadvertently push brands toward funnel imbalance.
    — Cody Greco, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Looking ahead, Sartori believes the principles guiding Zegna’s evolution — craftsmanship, timelessness and genuine customer relationships — will become increasingly important as luxury consumers seek lasting value over temporary satisfaction.
    — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
Definition of principle
Noun
  • The recovery was aided by clever mitigation measures, such as shipping autos without semiconductors for certain optional vehicle features, and rewriting code so that chips in less demand, particularly semiconductors with less memory, could be used for other features.
    — Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The movie exploited the loosening codes of the time, to make for a more frank depiction of urban criminality.
    — Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of code
Noun
  • And so, with gold on a steep upward trajectory: The following chart reflects my thinking, based on these axioms: Tension is going to increase dramatically—even from current levels.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But the soul of the Scorpion was not easily vanquished, proving the axiom that driving a slow car fast is better than driving a fast car slow.
    — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Older people were hit the hardest socially by COVID rules that limited or barred visits from family and friends.
    — Joshua Zatulskis, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
  • Eventually – inevitably – a recession will occur, but the huge 2022-2024 inversion will not have predicted it by the traditional rules of interpretation.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Then, when rates do come down and investors go looking for higher income, the value of these funds’ bonds—and indeed the value of these funds themselves—should rise.
    — Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • One driver who might deliver pretty good value for a Top 10?
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2025
Definition of value
Noun
  • That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • At a place as small as McCabe’s — smaller, even, by far than the El Rey, where Burnett last officially played in 2006 — a statement like that could count as more than just a passing maxim.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 13 May 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • Earlier this month, Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to the University of Notre Dame claiming its DEI policies may violate state and federal law.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • But Connecticut’s clean slate law does not apply to out-of-state convictions.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The MySQL course provides practical instruction in building and managing databases, and the OpenAI course introduces the fundamentals of working with machine learning models and APIs.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
  • Conclusion: Back To First Principles The most innovative companies are often those that master the fundamentals.
    — Aditi Uppal, Forbes.com, 30 May 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 7 Jun. 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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'Bring' vs. 'Take'

Is it 'used to' or 'use to'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Some Data About 'Datum'

The Clinical History of 'Moron,' 'Idiot,' and 'Imbecile'
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
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 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
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All