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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
Foreign investors still have to navigate a system under extensive regulatory oversight and state involvement, with unclear rules on market access of certain critical sectors and exit routes. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025 The group argued that these messages breach rules on the use of funds for publicity and propaganda. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
It’s ruled by Mars, who is currently swimming through the depths of Scorpio. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025 Gein was found guilty of murder, but in a follow-up proceeding was ruled to be not guilty — again by reason of insanity. Jr Radcliffe, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
Noun
  • But its lawmakers said these products needed regulation for the interest of public health and safety.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Ben Rhodes, the two-time series champion, crashed into the wall on Lap 3 with heavy contact as his back bumper got into the tire barrier, bringing out the first caution — and only natural one until the final laps of regulation — of the race.
    Shane Connuck October 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Since the Indiana Dunes has both a national and state park, mainly the national park will be impacted by the government shutdown.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • This is a sister organization to the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind Project 2025—a sweeping conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government by expanding presidential power, dismantling parts of the civil service, and rolling back regulations across agencies.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Beans are often associated with South America, the Dutch have popularized the instant coffee brands Americans have become most familiar with and café culture centers on Italian espresso traditions.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Nashville gets 'Showgirl' mural It's become a Nashville tradition for Taylor Swift album drops.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Gaza would then be governed by an international coalition headed by Trump himself and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
    Richard Hall, Time, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Then comes the real work of actually governing the world’s fourth-largest economy, with the future prime minister inheriting a slate of thorny issues.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But if the president controls the FCC, will speech be free?
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Whitmer established the universal meals program when Democrats controlled both chambers of the Michigan Legislature.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Safety information California law states that everyone under the age of 18 years must wear a bike helmet while riding a bicycle.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Vedra and other debt law experts said a high rate of default judgments indicates a system that favors the pursuers over the pursued — and increases the chances someone will be harmed by an erroneous bill.
    Rae Ellen Bichell, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To watch Lipe-Smith’s Caroline cuddle in bed watching TV on her iPad, or bopping around to JoJo Siwa, or pensively finishing a Popsicle while sitting beside her grandmother at a museum, is to have the sheer malevolence of our current administration and its adherents thrown into sharp relief.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Trump also gave Wall Street some assurance that the administration would give Nvidia licenses to offer its H20 AI chip in China – a crucial market for the company.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This neurocosmetic innovation, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning research on touch receptors, works by activating sensory pathways in the skin to trigger the release of mood-regulating biomarkers, establishing a continuous feedback loop between skin repair and emotional balance.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Congress has resisted legislative attempts to regulate the technology, and federal agencies have contracted with Meta and OpenAI to use their AI models.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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