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 statute describes 35 offenses that may appear to be very different in nature, but are all classified under the same umbrella. —Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 17 May 2025 But in a 2-1 ruling released Wednesday, the three-judge panel found that Section 2 cannot be enforced by lawsuits from private parties under a separate federal statute known as Section 1983. —Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 14 May 2025 Broadly speaking, both of these doctrines empower the courts to strike down a presidential administration’s actions even if those actions appear to be authorized by statute. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 13 May 2025 The Missouri General Assembly adopted the statute dictating what pharmacists were allowed to say about the drugs in 2022, near the height of the COVID pandemic. —Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 13 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
  • But efforts at the federal level fell short, including a congressional attempt, in 1995, to enact a law making English the exclusive language of the federal government and repealing the bilingual requirements of the Voting Rights Act.
    — Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • Another point of contention at the convention came from Utah Senate Bill 54, a law that has grown controversial to members of the Utah GOP.
    — Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • In this eerie tale about fear, lust, and female empowerment, the real question becomes whether this is an act of witchcraft—or a witch hunt.
    — Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025
  • The first act unrolls the settings and characters that dominate Mahnaz’s life and work.
    — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
Definition of act
Noun
  • Last year legislators passed SB 292 which bans the manufacturing, selling or distributing of products containing PFAs beginning on Jan. 1, 2028, according to the bill’s analysis.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
  • Carney cited Mooresville’s annual increase in the number of utility bills, from 181,138 in fiscal 2024 to 186,403 in fiscal 2025, through March 31.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
Definition of bill
Noun
  • Officers with the Israeli National Police, including members of an explosive ordinance disposal team, were called to the scene in order to render the Molotov cocktails safe, prosecutors said.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
  • Both ordinances were introduced at the council’s Tuesday meeting.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 22 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
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Cite this Entry

“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/statute. Accessed 1 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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