precept

noun

pre·cept ˈprē-ˌsept

Synonyms of precept next

: a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action

: an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official

Choose the Right Synonym for precept

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon 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

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

Examples of precept in a Sentence

the basic precepts of a religion I was taught by precept and by example.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Last month, the athlete advocacy group issued a press release in conjunction with several state legislators, warning schools against following certain precepts of the House settlement on account of them violating certain states’ laws. —

Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 10 Jan. 2025 These strategic precepts first failed to prevent, and then prolonged, World War II. —

Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 See my elaboration on those precepts at the link here. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Even Aristotle, who could be said to have launched literary criticism, set forth the precepts of tragedy by empirically studying the indelible examples of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for precept

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeceptum, from neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to take beforehand, instruct, from prae- + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of precept was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precept. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

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Kids Definition

precept

noun

pre·cept ˈprē-ˌsept

: a command or principle intended as a general rule of action

Last Updated: 14 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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precept

noun

Examples of precept in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near precept

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition