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rule

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of rule

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

  • read the rules that are posted before you use the pool
Synonyms of rule

bylaw, ground rule, reg, regulation
Words Related to rule

code, constitution, decalogue, directory

act, law, ordinance, statute

behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, fiat, instruction, order

axiom, fundamental, maxim, precept

moral, principle, value

ban, interdiction, prohibition, proscription, restriction

convention, custom, habit, manners, mores, practice (also practise), tradition, way

blueprint, canon, formula, guide, guideline, standard

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

  • the years during which Russia was under Communist rule
Synonyms of rule

administration, authority, governance, government, jurisdiction, regime (also régime), regimen
Words Related to rule

reign

dominion, power, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy, sway

command, leadership

direction, management, regulation, superintendence, supervision

autocracy, dictatorship, domination, hegemony, mastery, oppression, subjugation, tyranny

3 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 of rule

convention, custom, heritage, prescription, rubric, tradition
Words Related to rule

ethic, form, mode, mores, norm, principles, standards, values

birthright, inheritance, legacy

folklore, lore, superstition

culture, lifestyle

Synonym Discussion of rule

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.
    • obey the law
rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.
    • the rules of the game
regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.
    • regulations affecting nuclear power plants
precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.
    • the precepts of effective writing
statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.
    • a statute requiring the use of seat belts
ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.
    • a city ordinance
canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.
    • the canons of good taste

rule

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of rule

1 to exercise authority or power over

  • a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly
Synonyms of rule

boss, captain, command, control, govern, preside (over), sway [archaic]
Words Related to rule

conduct, direct, head, lead

administer, manage, micromanage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise

dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, reign (over), tyrannize

conquer, subdue, subjugate

2 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 of rule

bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame
Words Related to rule

bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow

arrest, interrupt, stop

block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct

gag, muzzle, silence
Near Antonyms of rule

liberate, loose, loosen, unleash

air, express, take out, vent
Antonyms of rule

lose

Synonym Discussion of rule

decide, determine, settle, rule, resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.
    • she decided to sell her house
determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.
    • determined the cause of the problem
settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.
    • the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy
rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.
    • the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible
resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.
    • he resolved to quit smoking

Learn More about rule

  1. See words that rhyme with rule Dictionary: Definition of rule Spanish Central: Translation of rule Nglish: Translation of rule for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rule for Arabic speakers

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