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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
Professional leagues set their own revenue models, compliance regulations, and discipline regimes — and adapt quickly when circumstances change. Jim Martin, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025 Estrogen has long been known to influence brain function, particularly in areas tied to memory, mood regulation, and verbal fluency. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regulation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation
Noun
  • This means knowing that AI has a purpose and a set of rules, and that it can be biased or flawed.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Shred cheese: As always, follow one of the cardinal rules of casserole making in the South: Shred your own cheese.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Every operational upgrade in our distribution model was carefully timed, including the introduction of new inventory management tools, team hires, vendor agreements and, eventually, a 50,000-plus square foot distribution space.
    Aleksandr Zemel, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Experts in business management have noted that companies generally don’t take measures on diversity and climate because of a political stance, but rather as a business decision.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But without enforceable safeguards, independent oversight, and a diversified economic strategy, those promises rarely match the hype.
    Marty Small Sr, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Reuters reported last month that the CFTC had fired two dozen workers from its enforcement, market oversight, administration and data divisions.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Substance abuse issues, legal issues, controversies and confrontations.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Combs’ legal team filed a motion to have a gag order placed on witnesses in an effort to shield testimony from potential jurors.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But a sprawling expanse of abusive online behavior doesn’t technically violate federal laws or individual company policies.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The bill would have reclassified these drivers as independent contractors and exempted them from state minimum wage, unemployment insurance and worker's compensation laws.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • One interpretation is that if an AI maker has a generic generative AI that also happens to provide mental health advice, and if this is taking place without the supervision of a licensed professional, and this occurs in Illinois, the AI maker is seemingly in violation of this law.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The story revolves around a group of workers, including Joe (Whitehouse), who are digging a hole under the supervision of their boss, Goose (Church), with shovels.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That hands-on experience taught me how money moves through a business and instilled a deep respect for financial stewardship.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • This was the definition of a symbolic move, in large part due to frustration over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stewardship of the war in Gaza as well as the horrible images depicting starvation that are streaming out of the enclave.
    Zoltan Istvan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Even on the Merits, the Administration Fails The judges further argued that their standing order was a lawful exercise of inherent judicial power to protect jurisdiction, comparing it to temporary stays issued by appellate courts.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Critics, including these plaintiffs, say registration is intrusive and allows the government to collect sensitive personal information from lawful gun owners.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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