precept

noun

Definition of preceptnext
as in principle
formal a statement by an authority of how people should behave the moral precepts of a religion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 First, not everyone agrees that those four precepts are the precepts. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Unfortunately, enforcing those as presumably non-negotiable and non-yielding precepts into conventional AI is a questionable proposition. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Citing the Buddhist precept of non-violence, Gaitok owns up to not having a killer instinct. —Dan Heching, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 By conforming them to the precepts of reality TV, the show does not live up to its stars’ actual weirdness. —Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept
  1. principle
  2. code
  3. axiom
  4. rule
  5. value
  6. maxim
  7. law
  8. fundamental
Noun
  • The good news is that businesses can design AI systems that approximate Rawls' fairness principles.
    — Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Tottenham abandoned those principles against the champions-in-waiting, offering gifts in dangerous areas from which the Liverpool attackers profited.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of principle
Noun
  • The town code officer will enforce the ordinance, issuing fines of $100 for first violations, $200 for second ones, and $500 for third ones.
    — Shawn P. Sullivan, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • The complaint, which has been reviewed by EW, also accuses the singer of assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, gender violence, creating a hostile work environment, and several labor code violations.
    — Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 8 May 2025
Definition of code
Noun
  • But the soul of the Scorpion was not easily vanquished, proving the axiom that driving a slow car fast is better than driving a fast car slow.
    — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
  • It’s become a political axiom of sorts that policies championed largely by Democratic city leaders over the past half decade have resulted in rising crime levels.
    — Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • In the 13th century, the papacy was vacant for almost three years before the election of Gregory X, who tightened up conclave rules.
    — John Bacon, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • The author of that rule change, Garth Glissman, is an SEC associate commissioner and driving force behind the effort to pass a similar rule for men’s college hoops.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • His comments came the same day as the Commerce Department reported the national economy − the total value of all goods and services in the country − shrank at an annual rate of 0.3% during the first three months of the year.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • The enterprise value of the business was 1.5 billion pounds.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Definition of value
Noun
  • But my one hard-and-fast cooking maxim is: Always wash your blender, immediately.
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Is there one particular maxim or comment that’s your favorite?
    — Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • The Mahsa movement brought changes within society, but in Iran’s official cinema, which operates under the supervision of the government, censorship laws remain firmly in place.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • New laws in five states Others have followed Trump and Kennedy's lead.
    — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • President Donald Trump suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was ready to accept the loss of Crimea and the fundamentals of a minerals deal offered by the U.S.
    — Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025
  • This creates a perverse situation where removing Musk—the very action most likely to improve Tesla's business fundamentals—would likely trigger a massive stock selloff and valuation collapse.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

preceding
precept
preceptor
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Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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