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 The department on Thursday published a list of the jurisdictions and said each one will receive formal notification that the government has deemed them noncompliant and if they're believed to be in violation of any federal criminal statutes. —Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025 The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said its investigators determined there was no evidence to support charges under North Carolina ethnic intimidation statutes. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025 The department on Thursday published a list on its website of the jurisdictions and said each one will receive formal notification that the government has deemed them noncompliant and if they’re believed to be in violation of any federal criminal statutes. —Staff and Wire Reports, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025 Another state statute regarding contractors also restricts the city’s ability to impose wage regulations on companies providing services under contract, Fox said. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 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 existing tax law limits deductions for state income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes to $10,000.
    — Cindy McGhee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Asian Americans’ outrage over a judge’s leniency in the case — the assailants received $3,000 fines and no jail time — sparked a surge of activism seeking tougher hate crime laws nationwide.
    — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 31 May 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • When the Parks and Recreation alum was shot and killed at just 59 years old during a dispute with his neighbor on Sunday, June 1, his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claimed the act of violence was a hate crime.
    — Liza Esquibias, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • The act of finding and identifying the missing was thus seen as essential for rebuilding a nation, whose identity is shaped by those who disappeared.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • The federal government often picks up the entire bill in big disasters and most of it in smaller ones.
    — Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • The bill also requires school boards to let parents submit comments electronically and adopt a policy for grievances.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • The group, known as the L.A. Alliance for Tourism, Jobs and Progress, is hoping to persuade voters to repeal the ordinance.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • The town, home to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is considering a new zoning ordinance and citywide map.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • It is now headed to the Senate for consideration, with amendments likely.
    — Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
  • Over the past week, the Budget committee released a draft and a chairman’s amendment as the bill went through markup.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
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 10 Jun. 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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