rule 1 of 2

noun

ˈrül How to pronounce rule (audio)
Definition of rulenext
1
as in regulation
a statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity read the rules that are posted before you use the pool

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in government
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation) the years during which Russia was under Communist rule

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tradition
an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing one of the sacred rules of that ancient society was respect for the elderly

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rule

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to govern
to exercise authority or power over a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly

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2
as in to control
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) a monarch who is known for ruling her emotions with an iron hand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rule distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of rule are canon, law, ordinance, precept, regulation, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When might canon be a better fit than rule?

In some situations, the words canon and rule 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 is law a more appropriate choice than rule?

While the synonyms law and rule are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use ordinance instead of rule?

While in some cases nearly identical to rule, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

Where would precept be a reasonable alternative to rule?

The meanings of precept and rule largely overlap; however, precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can regulation take the place of rule?

The words regulation and rule are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would statute be a good substitute for rule?

The words statute and rule can be used in similar contexts, but 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 rule
Noun
Under the rules, the SP80 is not allowed to use the same type of electronics or lithium batteries to help adjust the sails as, say, the America’s Cup or SailGP foilers, even though, proportionally speaking, the SP80 is facing a much higher load on its sails. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025 Jamie speaks about the red pill 80-20 rule in the manosphere, or the theory by some men that only 80% of women are attracted to 20% of men. — Emily Maddick, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
On Wednesday, a federal judge temporarily blocked parts of Trump's executive order targeting Perkins Coie, ruling the order was unconstitutional. — Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2025 South Lake Tahoe’s Measure T is unconstitutional, an El Dorado County judge ruled Thursday rejecting the controversial short-term rental measure initiative in its entirety. — Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
  1. regulation
  2. government
  3. tradition
  4. govern
  5. control
  6. law
  7. administration
  8. regulate
Noun
  • That’s despite sales of battery and hybrid electric vehicles of any brand rising in January as the E.U. continues to tighten regulations on emissions from new vehicles.
    — Simmone Shah, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
  • To create this list, Investopedia used a ranking system that took into account the cost of living for two adults, average monthly taxes, additional state-level tax regulations, distance to a major airport, climate risk, health care facilities, and local arts and culture opportunities.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • In 1930, Gandhi was named Time Magazine’s ‘Man of the Year,’ and the notoriety helped to pressure the British government to reconsider its policies in India.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The government’s actions have been shrouded in secrecy and obfuscation.
    — Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • Mexico City Reuters — Mexico City’s local congress on Tuesday passed a measure aiming to make bullfights much less harmful to bulls and matadors, a move applauded by animal rights activists but sharply criticized by fans of the centuries-old tradition.
    — Reuters, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
  • To uphold the best of this European tradition now will require more from liberals than just a defense of the old continent against the new.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of tradition
Verb
  • While the governing body announced the creation of 30 player development centres for the future, Forest Ladies’ application to keep their centre of excellence status was rejected.
    — Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Brundle has been vocal about the presence of heavy vehicles on and around the track during Grand Prix events, a matter of concern that must be addressed by the sport and its governing body, the FIA.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of govern
Verb
  • From the outset, the premise of Monstress and its tale is a dire one: imagine a 1900s alternative universe controlled by a cruel matriarchal society in Asia.
    — Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Many of these features, along with the onboard alarm system, are controlled via the Aventon mobile app.
    — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • This decision follows the university’s denial of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made two years ago by Michael LeRoy, a U of I law professor who studies college sports.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • However, her response states that because legislative bodies are not responsible for enforcing laws, she is blocked from speaking to lawmakers.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The administration’s pause on federal grants for water cuts, which have since been reinstated, threw a wrench into negotiations between seven Western states on how to divvy up a dwindling and overused Colorado River – negotiations managed by Reclamation with critical deadlines approaching.
    — Ella Nilsen, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
  • That figure includes the probationary workers already dismissed and IRS workers who accepted the administration's 'buyout' offer over email.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of administration
Verb
  • The first step is to regulate your body, Akua K. Boateng, PhD, an individual and couples therapist and founder of Boateng Consulting, tells SELF.
    — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The Bloomberg News film includes interviews with parents involved in efforts to secure wins in the courts and the halls of power in Washington D.C. to regulate social media platforms.
    — Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of regulate

Phrases Containing rule

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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