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
Supporters say the new rules are necessary to keep California on track for its climate goals. —Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 The rule, which will trim 13–15 yards off driver shots of the game’s longest hitters, is set to take effect in 2028 for pros and will affect amateurs in 2030. —Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
The Trump administration appealed McFadden's order and the appeals court ruled in a 2-1 decision Friday that the administration can bar AP journalists from some areas, like the Oval Office and Air Force One, while the lawsuit works its way through the courts. —Sonam Sheth hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI Leads iTunes Tha Carter VI currently rules the iTunes Top Albums chart in the United States. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 June 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
  • When the cost to borrow money rises along with regulation, prices go up to cover those costs.
    — Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Formula regulations in the U.S. and Europe, including requirements for nutrients and testing, differ somewhat, but are generally similar, Abrams said.
    — Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • And ultimately, immigration attorneys say, the government makes mistakes.
    — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 1 June 2025
  • In addition, the orders would reportedly require the federal government to invest in the US domestic drone industry, while also updating federal regulations about where commercial drones can legally fly.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 1 June 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • In June, the lodge will welcome Dry Fly Saloon, its on-site restaurant, serving hearty breakfasts and dinners inspired by Montana’s culinary traditions.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
  • The weeklong beach vacation is a longstanding tradition in many Southern families.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Definition of tradition
Verb
  • Those organizations want to police themselves, and have gone so far as to have a meeting earlier this year to lay down the rules to the NCAA at how that organization will govern those two top leagues.
    — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
  • Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 May 2025
Definition of govern
Verb
  • Asos sold the majority stake in the business for $178 million to the Danish fashion business controlled by the major Asos shareholder Anders Povlsen, who already owns popular European retail brands including Jack & Jones and Vero Moda via his Bestseller business.
    — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Lau’s discipline is the physical extension of a whole philosophy of muscle development, harnessing of qi (energy) to help people know and control their body.
    — Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • Asian Americans’ outrage over a judge’s leniency in the case — the assailants received $3,000 fines and no jail time — sparked a surge of activism seeking tougher hate crime laws nationwide.
    — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 31 May 2025
  • Sunday marks the first batch — 83, to be exact — to become law.
    — Hannah Gaskill, Baltimore Sun, 31 May 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • However, confusion remains regarding the administration’s next steps.
    — Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
  • Alex Kent / Getty Images But organizers and supporters see a pattern in the sponsorship cancellations, which some consider implicit byproducts of the Trump administration's anti-DEI policies and ongoing attacks on transgender Americans.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 6 June 2025
Definition of administration
Verb
  • Using the large-scale health research database UK Biobank, the researchers examined data from individuals with rare variants in the genes regulating SCFA-binding receptors and compared their cardiovascular medical history to that of control individuals.
    — Paul McClure June 01, New Atlas, 1 June 2025
  • The team worked quickly to regulate his blood glucose, rehydrate him, and start him on antibiotics—just in time.
    — Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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