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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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 Murrill’s office also invoked the habitual offenders statute, where criminal defendants can be tagged as habitual offenders after a fourth felony charge, according to Louisiana law, and face longer prison sentences. —Pj Green july 18, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025 Federal statutes allow the president to federalize the National Guard in limited instances: during times of war or national emergency. —Raquel Aldana, The Conversation, 18 July 2025 State statute also requires advance notification to school districts by those on the registry, according to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. —Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025 The statute does not allow non-first responders to enter a vehicle, but in this incident there was no intent to commit a crime, and therefore, there was no violation of the law, police said in their statement. —Sydney Sasser july 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for statute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for statute
  1. law
  2. act
  3. bill
  4. ordinance
  5. amendment
Noun
  • Ohio's new law requires public school districts, charter schools and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools to ban students' use of cellphones in schools by Jan. 1, 2026.
    — Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
  • The Tennessee Court of Appeals struck a blow against the city on June 5 by ruling 2-1 that a state law that caps metropolitan councils at 20 members is constitutional.
    — Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 15 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Jeannie C. Riley, Connie Smith and the duo of Charlie Louvin and Melba Montgomery were among the acts who cut her songs.
    — Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Since the act became law on Jan. 5, 2025, the agency has received more than 278,000 new claims from people with pensions from work not covered by Social Security and has processed 92% of these, the SSA said.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • The incident cost the family around ₱28,000 ($489) in vet bills and travel to and from the hospital.
    — Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • Trump's signature came after the House of Representatives this week voted 308-122, with all Republicans and several Democrats voting in favor, to approve the legislation after the Senate voted for the bill in June.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Milwaukee doesn't name any extras in its ordinances, so those three are the main ones to watch.
    — Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • If Smith’s ordinance supporting a Nov. 4 election passes, White would have 10 days to veto it, at which point the legislature could overturn a veto with a supermajority of six votes — as occurred with the previous ordinance supporting an August 26 recall election.
    — Ilana Arougheti July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2025
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • That goal, however, is complicated by a constitutional amendment that requires an independent commission to lead the process.
    — Leah Askarinam, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • Like the League of Women Voters, Protect AR Rights is also proposing a constitutional amendment aiming to protect Arkansans' right to petition.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 July 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 30 Jul. 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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