REGULATION Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

regulation 1 of 2

noun

ˌre-gyə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of regulation

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

Relevance

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

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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

The abundance critique is that there are abundant opportunities to grow being held back by excessive regulation, planning and conditions of the sort mentioned above, which can create inertia in the system. — Mariana Mazzucato, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 Still, the purchase would be in violation of CARB’s Innovative Clean Transit regulation. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026 First, Illinois must consolidate death care regulation under a single central state agency or independent commission, as is the case in other states. — Susana Mendoza, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026 The Royals won 23-20 in a game that included some controversy at the end of regulation. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regulation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation

Noun

In 2025, World Tennis, the sport’s world governing body, changed the rules, allowing it essentially everywhere.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The main rule is that cows be able to graze 120 days of the year.

— Vivian Song, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of rule

Noun

The third-year head coach learned from his team management mistakes from a 3-9 season that ended with eight consecutive losses.

— The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Recently, bond traders and asset management firms from London and Sydney to Singapore have begun noticing a shift in Japanese capital flows.

— , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of management

Noun

Her conviction has reignited a debate over how much freedom kids should have and how much government oversight is appropriate in parenting.

— Rachel Hale, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Rodman appeared to laugh off the oversight, heading to training hours later and continuing her high-profile support of her boyfriend.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of oversight

Adjective

Multiple sources told OutKick that school administrators, along with Governor Jeff Landry and President Wade Rousse were discussing the situation with LSU legal counsel throughout Thursday evening and all of Friday.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Jordan Lyle out The Hurricanes on Thursday officially ruled out Jordan Lyle for Friday’s game against Stanford as the junior running back continues to await legal clarity following his August arrest.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of legal

Noun

Lyft also doesn’t fingerprint its drivers unless required by law and doesn’t provide adequate background checks, the lawsuit alleged.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026
The county, which is facing a structural deficit, has signaled a legal challenge to the new law, should Newsom sign it.

— Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

His ballpark and facilities fell into disrepair, a situation that may be remedied under the stewardship of new owner Stan Kroenke, who entered an agreement to purchase the team this week at a $4 billion valuation.

— Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
The congressional inquiry comes as Bass faces a tough reelection fight against Councilmember Nithya Raman, who has been sharply critical of Bass’ stewardship on homelessness.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of stewardship

Adjective

The justices did not decide whether the eventual policy would be lawful.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
Woods appeared in a Florida court on Wednesday to enter a no-contest plea to charges of reckless driving and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

— Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of lawful

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“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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