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natural law
noun
: a body of law or a specific principle held to be derived from nature and binding upon human society in the absence of or in addition to positive law
Examples of natural law in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During his conversion experience, he was deeply influenced by Catholic natural law principles.
—Peter H. Schwartz, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
But in terms of everyday lives, part of the agenda of Christian nationalists is a redefinition of human rights and of civil rights according to their understanding of God’s laws or natural law.
—John Blake, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025
Indeed, there is convincing evidence of momentum in stock and other asset returns, but this is not an unfailing natural law.
—Bill Stone, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
As natural laws begin to break down, a team of scientists and a detective work together in the 21st century to prevent a humanity-destroying threat.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of natural law was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near natural law
Cite this Entry
“Natural law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20law. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Legal Definition
natural law
noun
: a body of law or a specific principle of law that is held to be derived from nature and binding upon human society in the absence of or in addition to positive law
Note: While natural law, based on a notion of timeless order, does not receive as much credence as it did formerly, it was an important influence on the enumeration of natural rights by Thomas Jefferson and others.
More from Merriam-Webster on natural law
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about natural law
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