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

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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 Alcohol abstinence is the underlying precept of Dry January. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Family is central to the Biden brand Joe Biden spent his half-century in politics insisting that politics had no place in the judicial system, but that belief ran head-first into a competing precept that family stands above all other concerns. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024 Last month, the athlete advocacy group issued a press release in conjunction with several state legislators, warning schools against following certain precepts of the House settlement on account of them violating certain states’ laws. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 10 Jan. 2025 These strategic precepts first failed to prevent, and then prolonged, World War II. —Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 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
  • Although platforms can rise and fall faster than the tiny-eyeglasses fashion trend, the principles of good marketing stand the test of time.
    — Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • These principles will be at the heart of discussions with President Trump today.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of principle
Noun
  • Carven said in a brief statement that the team will continue to build on the foundations and refine the codes and style forged for the house.
    — Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Bugs or security gaps in old versions of your browser or extensions can be exploited to inject malicious code, steal data or take control of your system.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of code
Noun
  • Addressing reporters at the airport, Andrew Tate, who holds dual citizenship in the U.K. and United States, invoked a U.S. judicial axiom of being innocent until proven guilty.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Week 8 Winston for the win — Two more football axioms that rang true in 2024: The Ravens will find bizarre ways to lose games, and Jameis Winston will be a vehicle for metaphysical chaos.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • Under a rule the Hall’s board of directors adopted in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be considered for election to the Hall.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The telework rules for unionized state workers are part of an agreement covering pension and health benefits that doesn’t expire until June 30, 2027, union officials say.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Relative humidity values will drop to 12 to 18 percent with wind speeds 5 to 10 mph.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Mar. 2025
  • These whiskies are outstanding and at less that $60, represent exceptional value.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of value
Noun
  • And Jim came up with a maxim for the ones about politics.
    — Al Franken, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Here, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share powerful maxims, sayings, phrases and adages founders can turn to when challenges arise.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • The office did not answer questions about whether any correspondence had been deleted, or how that would comply with public records laws and the city’s records retention policy.
    — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Keep up with changing data privacy laws that offer consumer protections.
    — Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Along with Adames and Chapman exhibiting the fundamentals, San Francisco’s offense featured its share of fireworks.
    — Justice delos Santos, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • While Lewis acknowledges the differences between coaching in the pros and college, the fundamentals remain the same.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of fundamental

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Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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