Synonyms of regulation

regulation 1 of 2

noun

ˌre-gyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

as in rule

a statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity

it's against community regulations to leave your trash on the curb for more than two days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rule
• law
• code
• constitution
• instruction
• value
• ordinance
• principle
• standard
• bylaw
• restriction
• guideline
• reg
• statute
• ground rule
• prohibition
• direction
• practice
• act
• directive
• commandment
• guide
• directory
• fundamental
• decree
• edict
• convention
• tradition
• order
• command
• ban
• fiat
• moral
• maxim
• precept
• custom
• axiom
• manners
• decalogue
• habit
• formula
• interdiction
• dictate
• proscription
• charge
• blueprint
• behest
• mores
• way
• canon

2

as in management

the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something

the owner seldom visited the plant and did not take an active part in the regulation of the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

• management
• supervision
• control
• operation
• administration
• oversight
• handling
• government
• direction
• governance
• stewardship
• guidance
• conduct
• leadership
• presidency
• charge
• running
• care
• superintendence
• superintendency
• intendance
• custody
• agency
• protection
• manipulation
• logistics
• engineering
• generalship
• guardianship
• safekeeping
• keeping
• trust
• rulership
• tutelage
• lap
• ward
• aegis
• machination
• comanagement
• codirection
• coadministration

3

as in oversight

the duty or function of watching or guarding for the sake of proper direction or control

the regulation of the soccer team was left entirely to the head coach and her assistants

Synonyms & Similar Words

• oversight
• stewardship
• supervision
• management
• control
• policing
• surveillance
• leadership
• charge
• guidance
• care
• government
• administration
• superintendence
• monitoring
• superintendency
• direction
• headship
• observation
• observance
• steering
• rule
• protection
• observing
• running
• generalship
• auspices
• reign
• guardianship
• piloting
• shepherding
• trusteeship
• hand(s)
• tutelage
• aegis

regulation

2 of 2

adjective

as in legal

Related Words

• legal
• lawful
• legitimate
• official
• permissible
• authorized
• approved
• licit
• sanctioned
• endorsed
• legit
• promoted
• licensed
• supported
• certified
• canonical
• suggested
• abetted
• authoritative
• encouraged
• semiofficial
• ex officio

Dissimilar Words

• unauthorized
• unofficial
• illegal
• unlawful
• wrongful
• illicit
• impermissible
• illegitimate
• nonofficial
• unsanctioned
• lawless
• unlicensed
• unapproved
• verboten

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

Recent Examples of regulation

Noun

Naseej identifies policies and regulations as one of five pillars of its work, alongside collection and recycling, awareness and outreach, behavioral research and circular business and innovation. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026

Right now, there are no regulations governing any of this activity. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Social democracies, such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden, maintain capitalist economies while combining them with robust government regulation and strong social programs. — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026

Instead, Hageman has focused heavily on curbing federal regulation and resource issues. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026