rule 1 of 2

noun

ˈrül How to pronounce rule (audio)
Definition of rulenext
1
as in regulation
a statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity read the rules that are posted before you use the pool

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in government
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation) the years during which Russia was under Communist rule

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tradition
an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing one of the sacred rules of that ancient society was respect for the elderly

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rule

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to govern
to exercise authority or power over a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly

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2
as in to control
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 & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
There is no rule saying work must be done in the heat. —Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025 In developing the rule, the FTC solicited public comment at virtually every stage. —Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
In addition to Uprising, Legend is once again ruling, while Exodus dips from No. 9 to No. 10. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins issued the ruling July 9. —Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
  1. regulation
  2. government
  3. tradition
  4. govern
  5. control
  6. law
  7. administration
  8. regulate
Noun
  • Although there is currently no single malt whisky regulation in India comparable to Scotland’s, many producers follow international best practices, avoiding additives and chill filtration.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • English's caddie, Eric Larson, is currently stuck in the United States after being unable to obtain a new Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa for travel to the U.K., a regulation that now applies to Americans.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • Congress, the branch of government the Founding Fathers placed first in the Constitution, is at a familiar crossroads.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • Else, why doesn’t Newsmax or Breitbart get to likewise come before the federal government with outstretched hands?
    — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • Wealthier residents marked their homes with costlier whites or yellows, a tradition that has continued for the past century.
    — Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
  • Inspired by Brazil’s tradition of bricklayers and farm labourers who compete for money with fake brand shoes, says Miranda of his feature debut.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 15 July 2025
Definition of tradition
Verb
  • The Kerr County commissioners’ court consists of County Judge Rob Kelly and four commissioners and is the main governing body for the county, responsible for budgetary, tax and revenue decisions for the population of about 50,000 people.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • The provisions governing tips and overtime are similarly rule-dependent—neither is a blanket exemption.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of govern
Verb
  • The Big Ten and SEC control what the next CFP format looks like.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • The Myth Of Control Has Expired For most of modern history, education was designed around one idea: Institutions control the content, the pacing, the credentials and the future.
    — Alex Goryachev, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • Colorado and New York both enacted laws in 2023 that provide some protections for consumers who have medical debt, for instance.
    — Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 15 July 2025
  • Ohio's new law requires public school districts, charter schools and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools to ban students' use of cellphones in schools by Jan. 1, 2026.
    — Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Topline President Donald Trump announced Saturday his administration is imposing 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union and Mexico, hiking up the tariff rate for two of the U.S.’s biggest trading partners despite lengthy negotiations.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Laing emphasized that the Gloria administration had adopted many reforms to ensure that past city real-estate mistakes would not be repeated.
    — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Definition of administration
Verb
  • These entities have proliferated ever since the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, which effectively struck down longtime campaign finance regulations that sought to limit and regulate spending on political campaigns.
    — M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • In every case, the central question judges have had to decide is whether local or state governments can be allowed to essentially regulate air emissions, which have always been regulated at the national level for compelling reasons.
    — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of regulate

Phrases Containing rule

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ruins
rule
ruled
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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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