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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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 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
  • In the exploration phase, deep knowledge allows for meaningful manipulation and novel combinations of knowledge based on the fundamental rules and principles within a field of expertise to produce creative solutions.
    — Ming-Chien Chyu, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Now we are no longer trusted as a viable partner that will stand by our word and our democratic principles.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 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
  • Register today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 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
  • Dunne’s Back-Pay Argument Dunne committed to LSU in 2017, four years before the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Interim rules went into effect.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • An immigration judge rules in Abrego Garcia’s favor.
    — George Petras, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Wherever the original source of the incorrect headline came from, it was amplified by trusted sources in financial news, creating a very expensive lesson in the value of accurate and reliable reporting.
    — Hadas Gold and Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • However, the compounded value of correct predictions in later rounds, particularly the Elite Eight, Final Four, and championship, amplified the separation in weighted performance.
    — Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 8 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
  • Once these conditions are met, Niles expects that investors can return to focusing on fundamentals.
    — Christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

preceding
precept
preceptor
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Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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