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 ban stems from a 2024 law that requires app stores and cloud computing providers to stop distributing or hosting TikTok unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. —

David McCabe, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law. —

David Chiu, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025 The popular social video app went dark in the U.S. on Saturday night, just before the divestiture bill was set to became law at midnight on Jan. 19. —

Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Jan. 2025 Outgoing President Joe Biden signed a law last April that gave ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok to an owner from the United States or one of its allies or face a ban. —

Clare Duffy, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for law

Recent Examples of Synonyms for law

Noun

This is foreshadowed by a rip-roaring introduction that has the sounds of musical acts spanning generations bleeding into one another in a segment that Questlove says took almost a full year to complete.

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2025
Trump and his allies have sought to recast the insurrection as an act of patriotism, and the prosecution of rioters as a grave injustice.

— Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025