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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
The swearing in of Commissioner Mary T. Boyle in June brought the commission up to full strength, with a 3-2 split in favor of Democratic appointees who are expected to take an aggressive enforcement stance in line with the Biden administration’s pro-regulation agenda. Dean Seal, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2022 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
Adjective
On Thursday during his hearing, Kennedy claimed that anyone can get COVID-19 vaccines at their pharmacy for free, however, pharmacies are being selective due to the limbo of federal regulations. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025 As commissioner, Holt will be responsible for supporting the state’s agriculture and forestry sectors, overseeing food safety standards and regulations, stewarding natural resources and promoting agriculture education. Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regulation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation
Noun
  • All in all, Southern small talk rules are a fickle thing to follow.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Lawmakers in many states have changed the rules in recent decades to protect winners from being targeted by criminals and unscrupulous people asking for money.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rachael Holder, whose feature directorial debut Love, Brooklyn is making a splash at the indie box office, has signed with ColorCreative for management.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Accion’s investments from the new fund — made before reaching a final close last month — include Nigerian payroll management startup PaidHR in June, and Kenyan online commerce venture Flowcart (formerly called Sukhiba) last year.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Her list continues with small but frustrating oversights.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Stern, who is 71, first signed with satellite radio broadcaster Sirius in 2004 (prior to its merger with XM), in part to be free of oversight by the FCC, which had levied millions of dollars in fines on terrestrial radio stations that carried his show for alleged indecency.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Real estate experts say claiming primary residences on different mortgages at the same time is often legal and rarely prosecuted.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The brutality of the Ukrainian frontline The challenges facing foreign volunteer fighters on the battlefield extend well beyond their legal label.
    Rebecca Johns, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The grants were allocated under President Joe Biden's signature Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, an anti-gun violence law signed after the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Aside from his signature 2021 criminal justice bill, Cooper signed legislation into law in 2020, allowing judges to reduce mandatory minimum sentences mandated by law for drug offenders.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Keep sensitive decisions, such as money, safety, and compliance, under human supervision.
    Louis Mosca, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The archaeological recovery mission was completed by the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites, under the supervision of the Superintendency of the Sea and the support of the Marine Protected Area, the Municipality of Favignana and the Port Authority, officials said.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Fallon’s journey from delving into a space that requires cultural nuance to setting up a fund in a setting where values and stewardship are paramount revealed how adaptable her approach could be.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • During Arison’s stewardship of the franchise, the Heat has won three NBA championships (2006, 2012, 2013).
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Schrank also told reporters at the site on Friday that some U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents had been detained in the raid and were later released.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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