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

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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

Without principle, without a moral compass, with no checks and balances, our would-be-dictator is an embarrassing stain on the soul of a once-proud America.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
The deeper craft In the age of AI, the value of these principles has never been higher.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of principle

Noun

Reintroducing Collection was a significant milestone for Calvin Klein, and Veronica’s exceptional talent and fresh perspective on Calvin’s iconic design codes helped build meaningful momentum for Collection.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Under the arrangement with Discover-Tech, targets with specific profiles of interest to the Candiru customers received ads that carried JavaScript or other code that connected to Candiru’s control servers.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of code

Noun

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
The question fascinated David Hilbert, a renowned mathematician who had devoted much of his life to rebuilding physics on a sturdy foundation of crisp axioms.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of axiom

Noun

In 2024, the CFPB proposed a rule that would require the disclosure of tips and fees as finance charges as an APR, or the total yearly cost of borrowing money.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
But that same year, protests erupted that ended 15 years of rule by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rule

Noun

The agreement includes an option that could increase its total value to approximately $91 million, further expanding American industrial involvement in the programme.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Part of Borromeo’s mandate was to tighten the product assortment, boost the company’s profitability and return it back to its foundational values and DNA.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 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

There is a precedent — this idea is an extension of one that is already law.

— Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Advertisement Some may hesitate to perform CPR because of legal concerns over causing injury—like rib fractures—while administering CPR, but every state has Good Samaritan laws providing protections to people who render emergency aid in good faith.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 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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“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of precept

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