regulation 1 of 2

1
2
3

regulation

2 of 2

adjective

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
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
Adjective
The parliamentarian also approved a revision on a proposal on a 10-year moratorium on state regulations on artificial intelligence. June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025 In short, a universal injunction is a court order that prohibits the government from enforcing a law, regulation or policy against anyone - not just the plaintiffs in a case. Scott Neuman, NPR, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for regulation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation
Noun
  • The charitable event, which launched in 2006 as an offshoot of the 24 Hour Plays project, has strict rules.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Having a place for all your belongings is a non-negotiable organizing rule if your goal is to have a totally tidy home.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Resilience is more than traditional risk management, the report states.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Simply removing bears from the list and handing management to the states, which is the default after a species delisting, isn’t enough, says Chris Servheen — not when so much is still in flux.
    Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Underestimating The Complexity Of Device Retrieval And Wiping One critical oversight is underestimating the complexity of reverse logistics for device retrieval and secure data wiping during offboarding.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The resolution is part of a broader debate over executive war powers and the need for legislative oversight in military decisions.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Administration officials accuse the agency and its former leadership of exceeding their legal powers, burdening free enterprise and engaging in politicized enforcement of consumer laws.
    Douglas Gillison, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • His legal troubles began after a December 2022 Tennessee traffic stop in which police pulled him over for speeding.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • And American law, then as now, tends to favor legacy over hustle.
    Aron Solomon June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • James Gabbert/Getty Images The Context Texas law allows people with a license to conceal carry a gun and to possess that gun on college campuses.
    Sophie Clark Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • While her daughter sometimes runs alone with classmates and under the supervision of school coaches, at-home runs are a different matter.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • The allegations span from 1970 to 2018: For nearly 50 years, the abuse of children has gone unchecked under the supervision of the state.
    Alvin Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Its continued vitality and accessibility depend on thoughtful stewardship.
    Jessica Hanson York, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
  • For those curious about Walter, here are five key tenets gleaned from his stewardship of the Dodgers.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • The order specified that only children with at least one U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent would be considered citizens at birth.
    Nik Popli, Time, 27 June 2025
  • But in a June 18 letter to health care providers, Idaho Division of Public Health administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch said HIV is a long-term condition and not an emergency — so people must verify their lawful presence in order to get benefits through the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on regulation

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!