regulation 1 of 2

noun

ˌre-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce regulation (audio)
Definition of regulationnext
1
as in rule
a statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity it's against community regulations to leave your trash on the curb for more than two days

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in management
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something the owner seldom visited the plant and did not take an active part in the regulation of the company

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in oversight
the duty or function of watching or guarding for the sake of proper direction or control the regulation of the soccer team was left entirely to the head coach and her assistants

Synonyms & Similar Words

regulation

2 of 2

adjective

as in legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word regulation distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of regulation are canon, law, ordinance, precept, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When could canon be used to replace regulation?

While the synonyms canon and regulation are close in meaning, 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 regulation?

Although the words law and regulation have much in common, 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 might ordinance be a better fit than regulation?

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

a city ordinance

When is it sensible to use precept instead of regulation?

The words precept and regulation can be used in similar contexts, but precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

When can rule be used instead of regulation?

In some situations, the words rule and regulation are roughly equivalent. However, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When would statute be a good substitute for regulation?

The words statute and regulation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 regulation
Noun
Kiln Transport Owing to Milan’s safety regulations, the firing cannot be done on-site. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025 Panthers strike first That Matthew Tkachuk guy keeps doing Matthew Tkachuk things, putting the Panthers on the board 2:43 into regulation. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Brett Maher went 6-for-9 on field goals while kicking into a non-regulation, skinny post, his longest from 50 yards. —Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2022 Still, presuming that the anti-regulation guests also made misleading scientific statements (no big assumption, given the way this debate tends to go), the result is closely related. —Chris Mooney, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2011 See All Example Sentences for regulation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation
  1. rule
  2. management
  3. oversight
  4. legal
  5. law
  6. supervision
  7. stewardship
  8. lawful
Noun
  • The only issue with the price Chelsea Women was sold for was that they were bought by their parent company in a move that helped the men’s team comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in 2023-24.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The White House takes aim at the Biden administration and Democrats’ handling of the pandemic, arguing lockdowns were detrimental, masks were ineffective, and the 6-foot distance rule was arbitrarily made up by Fauci.
    — Elaine Mallon, The Washington Examiner, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • The anchor has not been afraid to challenge CBS News management in the past.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Mahon, who has a PhD in medical physics, joined Channel 4 after senior management roles at VFX biz The Foundry and UK production group Shine, which is now part of Banijay.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of management
Noun
  • The president can make nominations but doesn't have direct oversight.
    — Bonnie Bolden, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • How judicial selection works under DC home rule In Washington, D.C., two different commissions have handled judicial selection and oversight since 1970.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of oversight
Adjective
  • Kemsley, citing irreconcilable differences, is also requesting that her ex pay her legal fees.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The two were engaged in legal battles for years, but Giuffre finally settled, admitting that she might have been mistaken in identifying Dershowitz as an abuser.
    — Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of legal
Noun
  • The state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Prosecution: Autism doesn’t prevent death penalty in any state Arguments that other states, such as Ohio and Kentucky, expanded their laws to bar people with serious mental illness from facing the death penalty don’t apply, Hippler said.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Christopher Wheeldon is directing and choreographing, and music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations are in the two-time Tony-winning hands of Tom Kitt.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The musical will be directed by Christopher Wheeldon (MJ: The Musical), with music supervision by Tom Kitt (Next to Normal).
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of supervision
Noun
  • Wines to try: Revelation by Goose Chardonnay 23 Revelation by Goose Ridge Rose 23 Revelation by Goose Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 23 Farther afield in New Zealand, the Marris family at Marisco Family Vineyards is upholding three generations of producing wines through dedicated environmental stewardship.
    — Lana Bortolot, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Since then, Earth Day has become an annual reflection on environmental stewardship.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of stewardship
Adjective
  • Despite being a lawful permanent resident, the Trump administration has detained him since March and has sought to strip him of his legal status because of his role in the protests.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The United States rejects any assertion of sovereignty or jurisdiction that is inconsistent with freedoms of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and air.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of lawful

Browse Nearby Words

regulating
regulation
regulations
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Cite this Entry

“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on regulation

Nglish: Translation of regulation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about regulation

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