rule 1 of 2

rule

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verb

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

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 rule
Noun
Those three California rules aren't just about reducing smog. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 1 May 2025 Met Gala guests have often broken the no-social-media rule to give a more candid glimpse of who is hanging with who and what goes on behind closed doors. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Verb
The panel seemed split over AP’s access but has not yet ruled. Ella Lee, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025 The Supreme Court previously ruled in a unanimous decision that the administration must ease his return to the United States. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
Noun
  • The final regulations will have to reveal whether Treasury really meant to exclude rental businesses.
    Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The regulation simply extends the ban on cigarettes to include e-cigarettes, which weren’t contemplated when the law against on-board smoking was passed.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The government responded an hour later that the mother had been released in Honduras, the filing states.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • As customers drank around them, talk turned to Louna’s exclusion from the MTV show, which Leake blamed on the Russian government.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For Yi Ming, an inheritor of artistic traditions from different continents, that connection is the promise of contemporary art.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • By embracing change and staying customer-focused, the nursery industry will continue to flourish, rooted in both tradition and innovation.
    Tammy Sons, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The President’s ironclad hegemony had become a pathetic circus of blunders until the IMF deal, threatening to prove campaign predictions of amateurism and incapacity to govern true, just as the campaign for the midterm elections gets under way.
    Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The announcement follows a change in U.S. customs regulations governing which items need to be formally declared upon entering the country.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With McDavid on the ice, the Oilers are controlling 69 percent of chances at even strength.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, Merz says, HPV probably increases the risk of heart disease by causing inflammation, which occurs as the immune system attempts to control the virus.
    Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Colorado’s vehicle traction law already requires commercial vehicle drivers to use chains or other traction devices when winter conditions make roads slick.
    Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Francis was outspoken against the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration and was a fierce critic of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • The Trump administration has called for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, which is a semiautonomous territory that's part of Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Its double-sided design keeps your body temperature regulated all night long, with one side made of cool gel memory and the other of breathable bamboo viscose.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The panelists agreed that a focused, narrow bill regulating stablecoins could help cement the U.S. dollar’s dominance in a digital future.
    Nik Popli, Time, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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