regulation 1 of 2

1
2
3

regulation

2 of 2

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
Despite the controversy, Murati has consistently advocated for responsible AI development and government regulation. Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025 Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe argued in a lawsuit filed in June that in their rush to build the facility, the state and federal governments failed to follow federal environmental regulations, which require an environmental impact assessment for such projects. Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regulation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation
Noun
  • Schools must follow state mandates on instructional hours, but states typically don’t set strict rules on how long a lunch period should be, so some principals whittle it down to twenty or twenty-five minutes.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025
  • According to the rules laid down by Nobel in his 1895 will, the prizes can only honor up to three people per award — a growing challenge given the collaborative nature of much scientific research.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For now, the 37-year-old, who holds a business management degree and owned a catering firm back in Savannah, is waiting tables at a sports bar near Madison Square Garden for three shifts and hoping to get a bartender position.
    Michael Sasso, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Fellows spend 40% of their time connecting with resources such as tutoring to obtain a GED, driver's education, domestic violence support, case management and more.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Julia Yoo, the family’s attorney, said the county’s cross-complaint highlights a deeper failure with its oversight of its own contractors.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Tech Oversight, an AI oversight advocacy organization that set its sights on the California Legislature earlier this year, applauded Wiener and Newsom for supporting SB 53 despite Big Tech’s objections.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • VPNs are legal to use across the United States but there are bans in place in some parts of the world.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The investigation began after revelations, first reported by the Herald/Times, that the DeSantis administration directed $10 million from a legal settlement with the Medicaid contractor Centene through the foundation for political purposes.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Safety information California law states that everyone under the age of 18 years must wear a bike helmet while riding a bicycle.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Vedra and other debt law experts said a high rate of default judgments indicates a system that favors the pursuers over the pursued — and increases the chances someone will be harmed by an erroneous bill.
    Rae Ellen Bichell, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Is the touch tank set up for children to interact with it safely without adult supervision?
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Wilske started in Hastings as deputy chief, overseeing department training and development, fleet management, emergency management and the supervision of investigative and evidence room operations.
    Mars King, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Paying Wellness Forward Beyond luxury and wellness, THE WELL Coconut Grove also emphasizes environmental stewardship — something that’s incredibly important for both Martin and Sarhan.
    The Well Coconut Grove, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
  • For Fuad, that generosity transformed the project from an act of documentation into one of cultural stewardship, where he was tasked with carrying Shihuh voices forward.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the complaint, both Collins and Robledo carried 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistols to the protests and have lawful permits for the weapons.
    Bill Kirkos, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Collins and Robledo were in possession of semiautomatic pistols at the protest but had lawful permits to carry the firearms, according to court documents.
    Mason Leath, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on regulation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!