LAW Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'law' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of law are canon , ordinance , precept , regulation , rule , and statute . While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority. // obey the law

Q: When could 'canon' be used to replace 'law'?

In some situations, the words canon and law are roughly equivalent. However, canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide. // the canons of good taste

Q: When can 'ordinance' be used instead of 'law'?

While in some cases nearly identical to law , ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality. // a city ordinance

Q: When would 'precept' be a good substitute for 'law'?

The words precept and law can be used in similar contexts, but precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching. // the precepts of effective writing

Q: When might 'regulation' be a better fit than 'law'?

The meanings of regulation and law largely overlap; however, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system. // regulations affecting nuclear power plants

Q: When is 'rule' a more appropriate choice than 'law'?

The words rule and law are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations. // the rules of the game

Q: When is it sensible to use 'statute' instead of 'law'?

Although the words statute and law have much in common, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body. // a statute requiring the use of seat belts

law

noun

ˈlȯ

Definition of law next

as in act

a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature a record number of laws were passed in that legislative session

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

higher law

as in constitution

a collection or system of rules of conduct it's important to obey the law at all times, or else you might end up in jail

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in police

the department of government that keeps order, fights crime, and enforces statutes a petty thief who had somehow managed to avoid the law for most of his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word law distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of law are canon, ordinance, precept, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," 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 could canon be used to replace law?

In some situations, the words canon and law are roughly equivalent. However, 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 can ordinance be used instead of law?

While in some cases nearly identical to law, 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 would precept be a good substitute for law?

The words precept and law can be used in similar contexts, but 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 law?

The meanings of regulation and law largely overlap; however, 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 law?

The words rule and law are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When is it sensible to use statute instead of law?

Although the words statute and law have much in common, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

Examples 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 law The Boulder judge found that because the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act was created in addition to — not instead of — common law immunity, the latter still exists and applies despite the 2020 reform, because the 2020 law did not explicitly wipe away common law immunity. —

Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024 The trial is taking place before five judges and there is no jury, in keeping with a 2019 law that assigns to regional criminal courts trials of crimes punishable by 15 or 20 years, including rape and robbery. —

Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 11 Nov. 2024 The filing also details ongoing litigation and regulatory matters, including the impact of evolving privacy and data protection laws on Axon's operations. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Grieving widows and parents across the country told them about the patchwork of laws against distracted driving, and the inconsistent citations or sentencing handed down to careless motorists. —

Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for law

Recent Examples of Synonyms for law

Noun

That balancing act has forced Starbucks to cut back on niche menu items like the olive-oil infused Oleato drinks, focusing instead on popular staples like its Refreshers, which have gained popularity among younger customers.

Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
For me, the act of hunting itself is less of the draw.

Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024