RULES Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

rules 1 of 2

noun

plural of rule

as in regulations

a statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity read the rules that are posted before you use the pool

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Relevance

as in governments

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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as in traditions

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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rules

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rule

as in governs

to exercise authority or power over a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly

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as in controls

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

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 rules

Noun

So there's really no choice but for the four major conference commissioners to compile a set of rules and guidelines that make at least a marginal bit of sense. —

Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026 Georgetown law professor Steve Vladeck, a witness called by Democrats, said the nondisclosure process followed then-existing DOJ guidelines and that Congress only revised notification rules after a 2024 inspector general report. —

Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026 That’s key given the agreement would be legally binding and set rules, fees, timelines and more for both parties. —

Sofi Zeman january 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026 Precisely what that level of investment can and will be is in flux as the College Sports Commission tries to enforce the rules on name, image and likeness money. —

David Ubben, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 Smith maintained many of the gifts cited by Cannon fell under exceptions to the disclosure rules, including those governing charity event tickets and gifts for birthdays or holidays. —

Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 The District strictly enforces all applicable policies, rules, and laws, including those related to preventing abuse, harassment, and misconduct. —

Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026 Trump has insisted that Rodríguez must play by the United States’ rules. —

Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026 However, the Carolina Panthers won that title despite losing to the Bucs in Week 18 due to NFL tiebreaker rules. —

Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Verb

Autopsy rules Good's death a homicide More than two weeks after she was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent in Minnesota, the Hennepin County medical examiner's office ruled the death of Renee Good a homicide. —

Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026 Because the Rams play in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, NFL rules state that Scheelhaase can’t do in-person interviews until next week. —

Zac Jackson, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026 Shortening the dead period would allow for continuous training, rules education and film review—exactly what's needed to maintain consistency. —

Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Trained from birth for this role, Thragg rules his people through strength, cruelty, and will – determined to restore Viltrum to its previous glory at any cost. —

Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026 Official rules state that runners are not allowed to bring anyone under 16 or anyone not wearing an official race bib onto the course. —

Owen Clarke, Outside, 20 Jan. 2026 The sector may face another twist if the US Supreme Court rules Trump’s tariffs were issued illegally, a decision that could come as soon as Friday. —

J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 8 Jan. 2026 If the Supreme Court rules that Trump’s new tariffs are unlawful under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the court could then say that companies that have paid the duties so far are entitled to refunds. —

Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026 That resting face rules the Indiana Hoosiers’ sideline and lives rent-free on social media. —

Candace Buckner, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules

Noun

In fact, Lake County grapes are frequently trucked to Napa Valley, where they may be blended into Napa wines—up to 15 percent, according to federal TTB regulations.

— Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
This preservation is ensured through strict weavers’ guild regulations, a vigilant (both positive and negative) neighborliness, and careful resource management.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026