1
2
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

3
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

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 law Local police forces around the country have long been preoccupied with enforcing state and local law because that’s their reason for existing and primary responsibility to local taxpayers. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025 Indonesian students protesting a revision to the armed forces law in Jakarta on Thursday. Reuters, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025 This decision follows the university’s denial of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made two years ago by Michael LeRoy, a U of I law professor who studies college sports. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025 The office did not answer questions about whether any correspondence had been deleted, or how that would comply with public records laws and the city’s records retention policy. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for law
Noun
  • George Michael’s many acts of generosity, often conducted under condition of anonymity, have come to light since the star’s death in 2016.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Opening acts in select cities include Marshmello, The All-American Rejects and Boys Like Girls.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Florida’s 1885 constitution required voter approval for all constitutional amendments beginning in 1886.
    Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The critical role of public health agencies The CDC opened in 1946 as a small organization based in Atlanta, aimed at fighting malaria in the U.S. Two years later, representatives from 53 countries ratified the constitution of the WHO.
    Katherine A. Foss, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Medics were unable to revive Moore and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
  • New allegations against another women in late 2017 led Barth to go back to police with her own claims.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Another bill that’s problematic in Schwarte’s view is House Bill 878, introduced by Cody Vasut, R-Angleton.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Pelosi comes out against Schumer voting for the spending bill.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Score an extra 20% off your first order with Quay coupon codes.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Trump administration drops work on stronger building codes for disasters Still, many states don't want to see FEMA go away.
    Lauren Sommer, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The amendment would also shift some existing tax laws, like some property tax exemptions, from the constitution into statutes, which are easier to edit in the future.
    Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Trump can’t single-handedly abolish departments that lawmakers created by statutes.
    Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The city passed an ordinance prohibiting short-term rentals in 2018, however a judge temporarily blocked its enforcement after a handful of property owners challenged the ban in November 2018.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The Merrillville Town Council deferring an ordinance separating the office of Clerk-Treasurer into two positions doesn’t mean it’s been pulled from consideration, according to the town manager.
    Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The House hasn’t heard any companion legislation yet.
    Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In February, Greenpeace International filed its own claim against Energy Transfer in a Dutch court using the European Union’s anti-SLAPP legislation, seeking to recover the damages and costs the organization has incurred as a result of the company’s lawsuits.
    Laura Paddison, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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