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

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
This discovery provides insight into the burial practices and artistic expressions during the Mongol rule in China. —Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025 In the final weeks of his presidency, Joe Biden had proposed a rule that would have expanded Medicare coverage to include the high-demand and expensive obesity treatment. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
The coroner’s office ruled the deaths accidental due to blunt force trauma. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025 Main | Afp | Getty Images Myanmar’s ruling military junta is seizing the aftermath of a deadly earthquake as an opportunity to regain control amid a grueling civil war. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Apr. 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
  • The company has raised $4.8 million from investors, including General Catalyst, to help the construction industry meet client demands, differentiate their products, and comply with ongoing regulations.
    — Brianne Garrett, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Having shared the lead after 72 holes of regulation, Rose has led or co-led following 11 Masters rounds in his career.
    — Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • One tool the federal government could use to shape A.I.’s development is its buying power.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Museum of African-American History Faces Uncertain Future After Federal Grant Terminated The Museum of African American History in Boston is facing financial uncertainty after the federal government abruptly ended its three-year grant.
    — Oumou Fofana, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • Trader Joe’s has a longstanding tradition of offering reusable canvas shopping bags, which began in 1977.
    — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The is a revered tradition, held every Tuesday Masters week.
    — Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of tradition
Verb
  • In 2016, motorsport’s governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), introduced a minimum age of 18 in F1, though the rules have since been adjusted, allowing 17-year-olds to apply for an FIA Super Licence, which the FIA will issue at its discretion.
    — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Our circadian rhythms, 24-hour cycles governed by the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus, regulate everything from body temperature to hormone release.
    — Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of govern
Verb
  • Boone was asked if Chisholm needs to find a better way to control his emotions.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The time to control bleeding was just about three minutes.
    — Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • The memo signed by Rubio also makes the case that another person, whose name is redacted, should be deportable under the same law.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Landry, who signed the legislation into law in March 2024, appointed five new people to the seven-member board.
    — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The case raises questions about the Trump administration's adherence to limits set by the Supreme Court.
    — Andrew Chung, Luc Cohen, Kristina Cooke, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House and Senate, the courts have arguably become the main avenue for challenging the Trump administration's policy.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of administration
Verb
  • College leaders don’t want to recognize the athletes as employees, but that comes at a cost: NCAA attempts to regulate the market in arguably logical ways swiftly face antitrust lawsuits.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Through its Kigali Amendment, the treaty now also targets powerful climate-warming gases. CITES continues to regulate international wildlife trade, curbing the exploitation of endangered species and protecting biodiversity across the planet.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2025.

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