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

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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
There is no rule saying work must be done in the heat. —Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025 In developing the rule, the FTC solicited public comment at virtually every stage. —Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
In addition to Uprising, Legend is once again ruling, while Exodus dips from No. 9 to No. 10. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins issued the ruling July 9. —Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 11 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
  • Although there is currently no single malt whisky regulation in India comparable to Scotland’s, many producers follow international best practices, avoiding additives and chill filtration.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • English's caddie, Eric Larson, is currently stuck in the United States after being unable to obtain a new Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa for travel to the U.K., a regulation that now applies to Americans.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • The Yemeni Coast Guard, which is loyal to the exiled government, has engaged in a firefight with at least one vessel in the Red Sea in the past as well.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • Camp Mystic has two sites, both of which overlap with either the floodway or areas the federal government has determined have a 1% or 0.2% annual chance of flooding.
    — Renée Rigdon, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • This includes continuing to donate 5% of our profits to a range of organizations and activating our long-standing tradition of local volunteerism.
    — Brian Cornell, Essence, 6 July 2025
  • David Beckham continued his tradition of bringing his mom to Wimbledon this year.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
Definition of tradition
Verb
  • The Kerr County commissioners’ court consists of County Judge Rob Kelly and four commissioners and is the main governing body for the county, responsible for budgetary, tax and revenue decisions for the population of about 50,000 people.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • European football’s governing body, UEFA, contacted the London club confirming they had been barred from entering next season’s Europa League.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Definition of govern
Verb
  • While Congress ultimately controls NASA’s budget, Trump’s goals are to cut its workforce, reduce commitments to the International Space Station, shut down nearly 1/3 of its science missions and focus on moon and Mars plans.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
  • The Big Ten and SEC control what the next CFP format looks like.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • The House passed the Senate version of the BBB on July 3; President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4th.
    — Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Sotomayor wrote her own dissent of the majority’s ruling that fuel producers can challenge California emissions standards under a federal air pollution law.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • According to him, the city inhabitants were feeling betrayed when it became known that Mariupol's mayor and his administration had left the city in the first days of the full-scale Russian aggression.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 July 2025
  • The administration claimed that Abrego Garcia was in the MS-13 gang, although he wasn't charged and has repeatedly denied the accusation.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of administration
Verb
  • Camps nationwide are regulated in a number of ways in order to prevent tragedies.
    — Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Unlike medications, supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
    — Merve Ceylan, Health, 8 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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