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
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
  • Studies show that napping supports emotional regulation, learning and memory consolidation.
    — Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • No zoning laws to contend with; no EPA regulations.
    — Leonard David, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • True to form, the mayor expounds at length on various and sundry ways to part people and businesses from their money and does little but nod briefly and generally to reducing the cost of government.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
  • Longer-term Treasurys allow the government to space out the debt obligations and lock in rates, but the costs are higher.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • Phelan, who was reelected in his Southeast Texas district in November but a month later ended his bid to keep the speaker's gavel, said awarding some of the chamber's committee chairmanships to the minority party was a decadeslong tradition that was worth preserving.
    — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • This version was inspired by the dashi & Bloody Mary in our Snapper Ceviche, as well as the tradition of horseradish vodka in Eastern European culture (the cultural background of our restaurant owners).
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of tradition
Verb
  • The same principles that govern resilient pipelines showed up in how Astronomer managed the public narrative.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • 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
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
  • In 1965: In a landmark moment for health care, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed amendments to the Social Securities Act of 1935 into law, creating two federal health programs: Medicare and Medicaid.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 31 July 2025
  • Tuscaloosa's first brewpub, opening after Alabama passed a 2009 gourmet beer law, spotlights musicians, writers and other artists in its Moon Room, serves stylized pub food with indoor-outdoor dining and offers classic pinball, video and board games inside.
    — Susan Stapleton, The Tennessean, 31 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
  • But questions still remain about how the administration will determine whether models adhere to the principles.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Definition of administration
Verb
  • At some point, perhaps, Congress might even craft legislation that gives more direct guidance on how the EPA should regulate greenhouse gases.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The crypto law, known in the chambers as Bill No. 247, is a renewed and more robust legislative effort to regulate cryptoassets in Panama, introduced in 2025 by Alternate Deputy Solís.
    — Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of regulate

Phrases Containing rule

Browse Nearby Words

ruins
rule
ruled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on rule

Nglish: Translation of rule for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All