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
The other is Aaron Judge, who just long-jumped over everyone and is breaking all the rules for what a mortal-lock Hall of Famer has looked like. —Jayson Stark, New York Times, 24 July 2025 If that rule had been in effect in 1978, when the Yankees and Red Sox finished the regular season tied 99-63, the American League East would’ve have been decided in favor of the Yankees, who edged Boston in the season series, 9-7. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
The next year, a federal judge ruled against Topps’ monopoly of the baseball card industry, allowing Fleer and Donruss to sell cards starting in 1981. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 25 July 2025 Anne Burrell's death was ruled a suicide, Fox News Digital can confirm. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 24 July 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
  • Smartphone use by children younger than 13 was associated with suicidal thoughts, worse emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality, especially among girls, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities.
    — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
  • That was to pass a ban on sales of THC products to people under 21, among other regulations for the state's booming hemp industry.
    — Blaise Gainey, NPR, 21 July 2025
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • Congress, the branch of government the Founding Fathers placed first in the Constitution, is at a familiar crossroads.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • After eliminating several immigration programs and benefits established by the previous administration under Joe Biden, the government of Donald Trump has decided to end another key aid for those seeking to regularize their immigration status in the United States.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • This transfer of command is a family tradition: Beatrix's mother, Juliana of the Netherlands, was Queen from 1948 until her abdication in 1980 when Beatrix took over.
    — Alex Apatoff, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Inspired by Brazil’s tradition of bricklayers and farm labourers who compete for money with fake brand shoes, says Miranda of his feature debut.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 15 July 2025
Definition of tradition
Verb
  • However, experts question whether such repeals will withstand scrutiny under the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the legal process for rescinding rules.
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • The same principles that govern resilient pipelines showed up in how Astronomer managed the public narrative.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of govern
Verb
  • The home country of this dark and enduring masterpiece from 1985 is the eerily-retrograde Republic of Gilead, in which women who once held jobs and led independent lives are now strictly controlled and monitored, valued only for their ovaries and their obedience.
    — Dan Fesperman July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • In the nuclear era, for example, the U.S. government controlled the new technology, and planners had two decades to develop policy frameworks before a nuclear rival emerged.
    — MATAN CHOREV, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • Since the building was built in 1921, it is not required by state law to have a sprinkler system.
    — Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
  • The Tennessee Court of Appeals struck a blow against the city on June 5 by ruling 2-1 that a state law that caps metropolitan councils at 20 members is constitutional.
    — Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 15 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The Evers administration deployed the National Guard to Kenosha the day before unrest erupted and doubled the deployment that day.
    — Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Here are three thoughts Reich, now a professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, shared in an interview with NPR's Sacha Sacha Pfeiffer about lowering interest rates and what the Trump administration could actually do to lower prices.
    — Obed Manuel, NPR, 24 July 2025
Definition of administration
Verb
  • These entities have proliferated ever since the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, which effectively struck down longtime campaign finance regulations that sought to limit and regulate spending on political campaigns.
    — M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Some people may become less empathetic, while others may have a hard time regulating their emotions.
    — Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 20 July 2025
Definition of regulate

Phrases Containing rule

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ruins
rule
ruled
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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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