policy

noun

ˈpä-lə-sē How to pronounce policy (audio)
Definition of policynext
1
as in procedure
a way of acting or proceeding it's always been my policy not to spread rumors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters you should have exercised greater policy in your online relationships and not divulged so much personal information

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 policy The yen has lost 51% of its value against the dollar since 2012, as the central bank kept monetary policy loose to fight persistent deflation. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 19 July 2026 Nik Hunder is a policy analyst, researcher and safe transportation advocate based in Chicago. — Nik Hunder, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026 Siebel Newsom has built a career as a gender equity advocate and is one of her husband’s de facto advisors, helping shape his policies on children’s Internet safety and school nutrition. — Lia Russell july 17, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026 The state’s participation in RAISE US comes at a time of federal stagnation on AI policy. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for policy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for policy
  1. procedure
  2. prudence
  3. strategy
  4. wisdom
  5. program
  6. sense
  7. discretion
Noun
  • The revisions come after the board voted to redline its policy that outlined the rights and legal procedures of certain employees in May.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • Bumila already had an internal brace procedure — a step below Tommy John surgery — in May 2025 on the same elbow.
    — Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 21 July 2026
Definition of procedure
Noun
  • The World Economic Forum calls it financial nihilism — the conclusion that the system no longer rewards prudence, driving a cohort toward crypto bets, prediction markets, and raided retirement accounts.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • But not necessarily the knowledge, confidence or contacts to take it to next stage of monetization, strike collaborative partnerships or exercise operational prudence.
    — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • Sometimes in big matches, being afraid of taking a risk is the riskiest strategy of all.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Even on a team with world-class strikers and wingers, Mbappe oftentimes felt like the sole focus of Spain’s defensive strategy.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of strategy
Noun
  • The day prior, on July 13, Zendaya wore vintage Sophia Webster gladiator sandals—further proving that, while Athena may be the goddess of wisdom, Zendaya is the goddess of press tours.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 15 July 2026
  • Political theory students still study their practical wisdom, often after devouring centuries of more speculative and theoretical texts.
    — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • The program allows people who make sizable investments in a country to apply for citizenship.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • This year’s tour is themed Lost Islands of Tiki, and will encompass eight home bars, two of which are new to the program.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of program
Noun
  • In that sense, the conditions included in the Garnacho deal must have a realistic possibility of not occurring in order for the deal to be recorded, at least initially, as a loan.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • With real couples, the sense of love and familiarity was already present.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Prior to the passage of the Pretrial Fairness Act, judges did have more discretion to detain people.
    — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • The trial judge has the discretion to determine if publication is warranted based on the specifics of the case, and the perpetrator’s name will only be published if the victim gives consent.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of discretion

Browse Nearby Words

policing (up)
policy
poling
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Cite this Entry

“Policy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/policy. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on policy

Nglish: Translation of policy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about policy

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