law

noun

ˈlȯ How to pronounce law (audio)
Definition of lawnext
1
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

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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 Tom Campbell is a professor of law and a professor of economics at Chapman University. — Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026 While the slate of laws was passed, several lawmakers have signaled that more bills will be introduced on the topic in the next session, which starts in January 2027. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 4 July 2026 Beginning Monday, the focus shifts to whether there is enough evidence for a trial and if the death penalty is warranted, said Paul Cassell, a University of Utah law professor and former federal judge. — ABC News, 5 July 2026 President Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act into law. — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for law
Recent Examples of Synonyms for law
  1. act
  2. constitution
  3. police
  4. bill
  5. code
  6. statute
  7. ordinance
  8. legislation
Noun
  • At the time, the colonies were still under British rule, making the creation of a national flag a potentially dangerous act.
    — Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of act
Noun
  • Under Venezuela’s constitution, temporary absences are to be filled by the vice president — which was Rodríguez’s former role — for up to 90 days, after which they can be extended by the national assembly for an additional 90 days.
    — Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • In 2023, the New Mexico Supreme Court struck down this misguided rule, thereby restoring the public’s stream-access rights enshrined in the state constitution.
    — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
Definition of constitution
Noun
  • The leader is the head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and has authority over the national police and morality police.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Paramedics took the child to the hospital, where the toddler died, Grace Mariot, a police spokeswoman, said.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of police
Noun
  • Days after Miller shared details about the car accident, which occurred north of Joplin, Missouri, a GoFundMe was set up to pay for hospital bills.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • But the Republican budget bill incorporated cuts to food stamps — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP — that have driven some 4 million people off the program.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of bill
Noun
  • The family pursued legal action after finding that their pool was not built according to code, and put the settlement money toward founding a water safety nonprofit, The Zac Foundation.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The Metropolitan Development Commission voted 5-3 to approve zoning regulations, which will then be passed on to the City-County Council to debate and vote on, before going into the city's zoning code.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Definition of code
Noun
  • The statute would ban federal officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Definition of statute
Noun
  • Officers could be subject to civil and criminal penalties under the ordinance.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • In January 2025, a federal judge ruled that portion of the ordinance overburdens free speech rights by prohibiting anyone from providing any lecture in any San Diego public park or beach.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of ordinance
Noun
  • The controversial legislation stalled in committee last year.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • This 12-jurist body oversees the activities of Iran’s parliament, determining if laws passed are compatible with sharia and can demand that legislation be revised.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of legislation

Phrases Containing law

Browse Nearby Words

lavishness
law
law-abiding
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Cite this Entry

“Law.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of law for Spanish Speakers

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