Synonyms of rule

rule 1 of 2

noun

ˈrül 

1

as in regulation

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

read the rules that are posted before you use the pool

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in government

lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)

the years during which Russia was under Communist rule

Synonyms & Similar Words

• government
• administration
• governance
• regime
• reign
• jurisdiction
• authority
• power
• dictatorship
• regimen
• sovereignty
• tyranny
• leadership
• regulation
• dominion
• domination
• management
• oppression
• supremacy
• command
• supervision
• direction
• sway
• mastery
• hegemony
• autocracy
• subjugation
• superintendence

3

as in tradition

an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing

one of the sacred rules of that ancient society was respect for the elderly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tradition
• principles
• values
• convention
• custom
• standards
• prescription
• norm
• heritage
• ethic
• rubric
• mode
• superstition
• inheritance
• legacy
• form
• culture
• folklore
• mores
• lifestyle
• birthright
• lore

rule

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to govern

to exercise authority or power over

a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• govern
• control
• dictate
• dominate
• command
• boss
• manage
• sway
• preside (over)
• lead
• captain
• domineer
• administer
• oversee
• regulate
• conduct
• direct
• master
• supervise
• head
• reign (over)
• oppress
• conquer
• lord (it over)
• micromanage
• subdue
• superintend
• subjugate
• tyrannize

2

as in to control

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

a monarch who is known for ruling her emotions with an iron hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

• control
• regulate
• contain
• curb
• keep
• restrain
• measure
• govern
• check
• suppress
• constrain
• stifle
• tame
• hold
• inhibit
• stop
• pull in
• bridle
• rein (in)
• interrupt
• swallow
• choke (back)
• hold back
• silence
• strangle
• block
• arrest
• repress
• hinder
• smother
• impede
• obstruct
• squelch
• hamper
• sink
• mince
• muffle
• pocket
• bottle (up)
• handcuff
• muzzle
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• loosen
• liberate
• loose
• express
• take out
• vent
• unleash
• air

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rule distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of rule are canon, law, ordinance, precept, regulation, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When might canon be a better fit than rule?

In some situations, the words canon and rule are roughly equivalent. However, 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 rule?

While the synonyms law and rule are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use ordinance instead of rule?

While in some cases nearly identical to rule, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

Where would precept be a reasonable alternative to rule?

The meanings of precept and rule largely overlap; however, precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can regulation take the place of rule?

The words regulation and rule are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would statute be a good substitute for rule?

The words statute and rule can be used in similar contexts, but statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rule

Noun

In the past week, in the wake of the NCAA's new five-year eligibility rule that excluded last year's graduating class from that extra year, the Big Ten and SEC passed rules barring players from returning after leaving for the pros. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

The uptick rule forbade a short seller from knocking a stock down by endlessly selling it no matter what. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026

Verb

It was ruled an RBI double for Benintendi off right-hander Daniel Duarte, and Miguel Vargas scored to break a scoreless tie between the Mets and the Chicago White Sox in the rubber game. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026

This is the moment the umpires ruled that Espada had to take Hunter Brown out of the game. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing rule

• as a rule
• ground rule
• rule (on)
• rule out