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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
Citizens from 74 countries can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, a big jump from previous regulations. Fu Ting, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 Others pertain to environmental regulations, vaccine requirements and public health protections. Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for regulation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation
Noun
  • Around the country, state lawmakers are twisting tax codes, raiding campus funds and rewriting financial rules to keep their flagship programs competitive.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • The rules on how the league decides on replacements are not public.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Girls may, for example, struggle with time management, daydreaming or being a chatterbox and are more likely to be diagnosed with the primarily inattentive type of ADHD over the hyperactive type.
    Daliah Singer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025
  • Emotional intelligence and the soft skills necessary to inspire hope are often seen as part of culture or talent management, rather than leveraged as strategic assets.
    Camille Nicita, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, OpenAI has still not answered fundamental questions about how their conversion to a public benefit corporation will maintain the nonprofit’s independent oversight.
    Orson Aguilar, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • Going forward, the county commission, in its oversight role, expects reports from the treasurer's office on penal fines going to libraries.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit last month seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to put the project on hold until legal wrangling is resolved.
    Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • On the other hand, an officer failing to identify themselves can have serious consequences for the legal defense of someone detained or arrested.
    Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Nowhere is this truer than Wimbledon, which has always been a law unto itself. — Caoimhe O’Neill contributed reporting.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • The House passed the Senate version of the BBB on July 3; President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4th.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Digital Nomads Cultivate Self-Reliance That Drives Performance Working without direct supervision requires a high level of discipline.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • Instead, they were placed under an order of supervision, which required them to check in annually with immigration officials.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • His stewardship of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic was roundly criticized as overreach by Republicans with some municipal leaders ignoring business shutdown orders.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • Trade chips Under the stewardship of president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin, the Canucks have generally been an aggressive team on the trade market.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who interferes with our lawful mission will be arrested.
    Danielle Wallace , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
  • And in ruling after ruling, in case after case, on all kinds of points of law, Liman has upheld congestion pricing as lawful: New York State, through the MTA’s Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, has the legal power to impose the toll.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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