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
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
  • The suspect's background in private security and his use of police-like tactics has raised questions about screening processes for security personnel and the regulation of companies that operate police-resembling vehicles.
    — Adeola Adeosun Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Game 2 — Panthers 5, Oilers 4 (double overtime): The Oilers tied the game with 17.8 seconds left in regulation to force overtime for a second consecutive game.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • Noam Ross, an ecologist and data scientist, began digging through government databases to see whether the terminations could be tracked.
    — John Drake, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Conflicts are won by street mobilization and civil disobedience, until conservative governments overreact and spark a backlash.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • Quintel added a silver lining: while short programs and incubators may be on pause, the mentoring tradition is alive.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • The World’s Top Tequila Don Nacho Tributo Reposado Tequila is crafted by the Hernandez Gutierrez family in Jalisco’s Los Altos region, paying homage to the rich traditions of Jalisco’s Highlands.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of tradition
Verb
  • Lastly, master associations are governed by section 18.5 of the Condominium Act, even though the remainder of the Condominium Act does not apply to master associations.
    — Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • In the year 2120, the Earth is governed by five corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 June 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
  • But in other matches, such as recent defeats to Bay FC and Racing Louisville, Angel City has faltered — often losing despite controlling possession.
    — Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • Newsom said in a court filing on Thursday that troops had moved beyond those allowable duties to actively assist ICE agents in making arrests, in violation of a federal law known as the Posse Comitatus Act, which is designed to prevent the military from being used as a domestic police force.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
  • Oyun-Erdene’s supporters say his ouster had three drivers: Firstly, and with a dash of irony, his relentless pursuit of official graft, including a draft law his cabinet just submitted that would compel all public officials to justify their income.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 June 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
  • While the federal government, not the state, regulates immigration, how should state and local personnel and resources be utilized for that end?
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
  • Does the rule maker want to get into the business of regulating KPIs by industry?
    — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 14 June 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 18 Jun. 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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

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

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
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
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All