as in to decide
to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute)
the coach ruled on the question of whether an off-campus bar fight ought to disqualify someone from the team
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule (on)
Verb
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This past Christmas, as a meaningful and nostalgic compromise, the McAlarneys and a group of other parents from their daughter Maddie's second-grade class all decided to get their children Tin Can landline phones for Christmas.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026 -
Shanahan and Fangio are considered some of the best offensive and defensive play callers in the sport, and the matchup could decide who moves on to the divisional round.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The chairman warned that the outcome of the investigation will determine the future of the central bank’s decisions.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
12 Jan. 2026
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Back in October, the Golden Globes announced a longer list of 25 shows eligible for these first-ever podcast nominations, determined by the Globes' data partner, Luminate.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Her sparkling long-sleeve dress draped across her body and settled into a small train behind her.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Some might accept a lien or letter of protection, which meant they would not be paid until lawsuits like those that would be filed on Barb’s and Sharon’s behalf settled.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Teens participating in the program have to rope a calf, feed it and return the cow to the next Stock Show to be judged on showmanship and carcass quality.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
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Ultimately, policy must be judged not only by aggregate performance of the economy as a whole or political resonance but by its ability to strengthen household financial resilience of all income groups—helping families make progress in good times and avoid lasting setbacks in bad.—
Gene Ludwig,
Fortune,
11 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Rule (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule%20%28on%29. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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