1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in governments
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in governs
to exercise authority or power over
a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rules
Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
But many states have more stringent rules, and regulations vary widely.
—Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The next contenders According to the foundation’s rules, anyone can recommend a bar, restaurant or chef for an award.
—Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
But federal budget projections also show the program shrinking as the new work rules kick in, suggesting feeding fewer people is a feature of HR1.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
The bill is a top priority for the president, but has stalled in the Senate, where Republican leaders have resisted changing filibuster rules to advance it.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
But as some people see it, the policy doesn't clearly define the criteria that's used — making the rules feel arbitrary, critics say.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Artemis is the daughter of Zeus, who rules over all of the other gods, and Leto, one of the goddesses of childhood.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
As North Texas prepares to host thousands of international visitors for the World Cup, many travelers may be unfamiliar with Texas alcohol laws — particularly rules on driving, public drinking and intoxication.
—Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
That means trade will begin in May and halt only if the European Court of Justice rules against it.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
In the off-chance that the Supreme Court somehow rules against birthright citizenship, what’s the next step in this battle?
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026
Grapevine run rules Argyle behind Luke Esquivel Luke Esquivel allowed one hit over six innings and fanned 12 as Grapevine defeated Argyle 13-0 in a run-rule shortened District 6-5A game on Friday at Argyle High School.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
But nepotism rules everything around me, so why not The Immortal Man?
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
At the center is the Hext family, an old-money institution that rules the city’s elite.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
Pro-immigration advocates, meanwhile, have accused the administration of punishing legal immigrants who are complying with immigration rules.
—Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
But many states have more stringent rules, and regulations vary widely.
—Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The next contenders According to the foundation’s rules, anyone can recommend a bar, restaurant or chef for an award.
—Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
But federal budget projections also show the program shrinking as the new work rules kick in, suggesting feeding fewer people is a feature of HR1.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
The bill is a top priority for the president, but has stalled in the Senate, where Republican leaders have resisted changing filibuster rules to advance it.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
But as some people see it, the policy doesn't clearly define the criteria that's used — making the rules feel arbitrary, critics say.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
For noncustodial parents, these age rules only matter if Form 8332 is in place.
—Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Artemis is the daughter of Zeus, who rules over all of the other gods, and Leto, one of the goddesses of childhood.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
As North Texas prepares to host thousands of international visitors for the World Cup, many travelers may be unfamiliar with Texas alcohol laws — particularly rules on driving, public drinking and intoxication.
—Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
That means trade will begin in May and halt only if the European Court of Justice rules against it.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
In the off-chance that the Supreme Court somehow rules against birthright citizenship, what’s the next step in this battle?
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026
Grapevine run rules Argyle behind Luke Esquivel Luke Esquivel allowed one hit over six innings and fanned 12 as Grapevine defeated Argyle 13-0 in a run-rule shortened District 6-5A game on Friday at Argyle High School.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
But nepotism rules everything around me, so why not The Immortal Man?
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
At the center is the Hext family, an old-money institution that rules the city’s elite.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules
Noun
-
The county changed its stance with new regulations in December that allowed ultralight access within certain guidelines, which pilots have claimed are overly-restrictive and cost-prohibitive for hobbyists who fly the relatively inexpensive aircraft.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Kelley makes a play for Göring’s trust by befriending his wife and daughter and carrying letters to them, against all regulations.—
Alice Kaplan,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Separately, the Syrian and UAE governments condemned an attack targeting the residence of the Kurdish region's president Nechirvan Barzani.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
29 Mar. 2026
-
In the short term, governments are returning to coal—the dirtiest of fossil fuels—to keep the lights on.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Passover always starts and finishes in the evening, but traditions can vary depending on geographical location.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Like the restaurant, Toja draws on local traditions with a spa menu that includes invigorating pijat massages and exfoliating scrubs with rice, ginger, and candle nut.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Swalwell challenged the early-stage inquiry into his mortgage in part by citing the Privacy Act, which governs the release of identifying documents within the government and generally prevents their release without a person’s consent.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The committee also planned to scrutinize whether the DOJ has complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which governs the review and release of records related to the case.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Why wasn't the White House able to get both parties – both heads of the party the president controls on the same page?—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Who controls what regions of the moon?—
Space.com Staff,
Space.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
However, some Idaho taxpayers can expect longer waits on refunds due to state tax conformity laws the Idaho Statesman previously reported.—
Hali Smith
April 4,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The mayor also says the city could need to stop enforcing laws against street camping and vehicle habitation if there are major cuts to city-run lots for people living in vehicles or tents.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Under prior presidential administrations, they were considered low priorities for deportation.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Both cities, separated by only 40 miles, have seen a drastic change in the number of offenses, with politicians, state’s attorneys and police chiefs crediting their administrations and policies as the main drivers of the reductions.—
Stella Canino-Quinones,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The times were selected based on the shifting positions of the moon and Earth, which dictates when the Space Launch System rocket, topped with the Orion capsule, can safely lift off and still complete complex mission objectives.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Football is king in the SEC and dictates the buckets of television money the conference doles out.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rules. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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