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
Naturally, this rule tends not to apply to celebrities. Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 May 2025 Israeli military rule would last nearly four decades, during which Hamas emerged as a splinter of the Muslim Brotherhood movement in the 1980s, until a 2005 disengagement. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
In 2009, nine years after she was sentenced to life in prison for her crimes, Sharee was able to leave prison after a judge ruled she should be retried amid questions over whether Cassaday's suicide note should be used as evidence, per ABC News. Becca Longmire, People.com, 14 May 2025 Sun Sentinel Appeals court sides with Hamburger Mary’s in suit challenging drag show law Judges ruled against the DeSantis administration, saying a 2023 law was too broad and likely unconstitutional. South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
Noun
  • Lawmakers also nearly issued the first veto override of Gov. Jared Polis’ seven-session tenure as part of a greater bucking of the state’s chief executive that also included sidestepping his desire to delay new artificial intelligence regulations.
    The Denver Post, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • Colorado made history in 2024 by becoming the first state in the nation to enact comprehensive regulation of artificial intelligence.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The press release noted that the migrants who landed in Honduras also received assistance from the government there, including food vouchers.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Moody’s Ratings said problematic debt levels far outpacing government revenue led to the downgrade.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • In keeping with the tradition of the bride wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, Elissa slipped an opal ring onto her pinky.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The musical, dance and poetic traditions of Sufism are at the heart of this compelling new theatrical experience created by two of the world’s leading Sufi Kathak artists.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • State laws governing solar projects have frustrated many county lawmakers, who feel the state is taking the control over local projects out of their hands.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • Earlier this year, the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which is the state’s watchdog for judicial misconduct, filed formal charges accusing Farmer of violating the rules governing judges’ behavior on and off the bench.
    Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • This language is shorthand for Kyiv agreeing to permanent neutrality in return for a security guarantee and accepting that Russia controls swathes of Ukraine.
    Tom Balmforth, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • But efforts at the federal level fell short, including a congressional attempt, in 1995, to enact a law making English the exclusive language of the federal government and repealing the bilingual requirements of the Voting Rights Act.
    Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • Another point of contention at the convention came from Utah Senate Bill 54, a law that has grown controversial to members of the Utah GOP.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Further blurring the picture: the Trump administration announced a 90-day pause on the highest import fees for dozens of countries in early April and a similar truce with China on Monday that allows the two sides negotiate further.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Stork, a longtime opponent of the dam raise, said the Trump administration is liable to ignore the state law.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • This process helps us self-audit, regulate our practices and identify areas for improvement.
    Geoff Scott, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Carr has pushed companies regulated by the FCC to do the same, resulting in Verizon and T-Mobile dropping DEI programs in order to secure approval for mergers that required the FCC's sign-off.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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