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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
These rules, if finalized, would apply to both indoor and outdoor work settings and would require employers to implement measures such as providing water, rest breaks, and acclimatization periods when temperatures reach certain thresholds. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025 But Stella lives in London in the 1860s, and the rules and roles for young women, especially young Black women like Stella, are strict. Caroline Carlson june 30, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025
Verb
Fly a Kite in Imperial Huế The city of Huế was once the cradle of imperial power, and was where Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 June 2025 The Rock Church won its suit last summer when a federal judge ruled in its favor. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
Noun
  • In short, a universal injunction is a court order that prohibits the government from enforcing a law, regulation or policy against anyone - not just the plaintiffs in a case.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 27 June 2025
  • Looking Ahead As businesses navigate an increasingly complex global landscape—shaped by economic pressures, shifting regulations and evolving workforce expectations—talent strategies need to be both resilient and adaptive.
    Luis Peralta, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Weekly analysis and insights from Asia’s largest economy in your inbox Subscribe now On Wednesday, Li urged global business leaders and senior government representatives to collaborate and avoid turning trade into a political or security issue.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • While the films’ impact on government policy and/or public opinion is debatable, movies large and small have been at the forefront of some of the 21st century’s most difficult conversations.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • This suggests either confidence in the modern pace-and-space era breaking tradition, or a reflection of betting behavior more than predictive accuracy.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
  • Many came away feeling the mock curtsy had disrespected a long-standing British tradition, and the fact that the queen had died three months earlier no doubt did not help.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Keeping politics out of the game sounds like an entirely reasonable position for world football’s governing body to take.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • World soccer’s governing body has been unable to convince fans or players that the tournament — a 32-team, month-long competition wedged between the end of one European season and the start of the next — was necessary, or even desired.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • Doctors Without Borders, one of the many nongovernmental aid groups in Gaza refusing to work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, says aid must not be controlled by a warring party to further its military objectives.
    Aya Batrawy, NPR, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • And American law, then as now, tends to favor legacy over hustle.
    Aron Solomon June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • Idaho Supreme Court says Sánchez vacated her seat In an opinion written by Justice Gregory Moeller, the Supreme Court disagreed with Sánchez on three essential points surrounding the Idaho law cited by the City Council.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • India is hopeful of reaching a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration very soon, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told Newsweek in an interview.
    Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Harvard is just one of several elite universities targeted by the Trump administration for alleged violations of students’ civil rights.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Clouds play an important role in regulating the climate.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
  • Last week, the Senate approved the stablecoin bill, establishing a framework to regulate these digital currencies that are linked to the U.S. dollar.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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