Thesaurus results for PRECEPT

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

Some common synonyms of precept are canon , law , ordinance , regulation , rule , and statute . While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching. // the precepts of effective writing

Q: In what contexts can 'canon' take the place of 'precept'?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might 'law' be a better fit than 'precept'?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, 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: Where would 'ordinance' be a reasonable alternative to 'precept'?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, 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 could 'regulation' be used to replace 'precept'?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system. // regulations affecting nuclear power plants

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

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

Q: When can 'statute' be used instead of 'precept'?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body. // a statute requiring the use of seat belts

precept

noun

Definition of precept

as in principle

formal a statement by an authority of how people should behave the moral precepts of a religion

Related Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word precept distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precept are canon, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can canon take the place of precept?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might law be a better fit than precept?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

Where would ordinance be a reasonable alternative to precept?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, 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 could regulation be used to replace precept?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would rule be a good substitute for precept?

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

the rules of the game

When can statute be used instead of precept?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, 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 precept Shi was also alleged to have committed criminal offenses and violated Buddhist precepts by maintaining relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathering at least one child, according to a notice from the temple’s authority on its WeChat account at that time. — Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 On May 6, 2026, a historic ceremony was held where a robot received the Buddhist precepts from a monk. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026 Yet, their rise did contribute to the prevention of the power of a single individual who would thwart the precepts of the Constitution. — Richard Davis, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026 But Felder also feared that the attack would provoke unprecedented violence against Palestinians, and believed that being Jewish required adhering to certain moral precepts. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precept

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept

Noun

This principle is similar to how a fish uses its fins and tail to swim.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
The Wright Flyer stayed airborne for only seconds during its first flight, but the underlying engineering principles helped make powered aviation practical.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of principle

Noun

Thinking that writing code was the only bottleneck for deploying new software is like the Titanic seeing the tip of the iceberg and assuming there was nothing underneath it.

— Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026
Smith also explained what would happen if a legal challenge ultimately failed, including continuity arrangements with European partners and backup copies of Microsoft’s code held in Switzerland.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of code

Noun

The second axiom of quantum mechanics is called the measurement postulate.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
What motivates voters Extensive research confirms the axiom that a sense of civic duty is the strongest predictor of whether someone will vote.

— Christopher Miller, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of axiom

Noun

Voters in six states will soon decide whether to impose or expand voter identification requirements, including rules requiring mail voters to provide part of a driver’s license or Social Security number.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Oct. 2026
Some states, however, have chosen not to adopt the federal rule because of concerns about near-term revenue losses.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of rule

Noun

The federal government was preparing to change its rules on low-value imports, threatening her ability to purchase cheaper prescription medications for blood thinning and heart failure from Canada.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
That’s 35% of the value of the S&P 500 and the highest concentration in a handful of stocks since just before the crash of 1929.

— Ming Lu, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of value

Noun

The mindful alignment of body and mind is the guiding maxim of the spa.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
There’s little evidence that Ampere Analysis’ maxim, coined a couple of years ago – a contracting sector chasing a 75% of peak TV business – has not changed.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of maxim

Noun

Florida law imposes limits on direct contributions to state candidates but generally allows political committees to accept unlimited contributions, subject to applicable reporting and other legal requirements.

— Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
Twenty-seven states — including all where Republicans control both the legislature and governor’s office — already have such laws.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

The oil market is not trading on fundamentals and has not been for months now, said Amrita Sen, founder of Energy Aspects.

— Spencer Kimball,Justina Lee, CNBC, 18 June 2026
But for investors and families willing to focus on fundamentals rather than forecasts, the path to long-term prosperity remains very much intact.

— Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026

Definition of fundamental

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Style

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of precept

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