1
as in regulations
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 governments
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 traditions
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 & Similar Words
1
as in governs
to exercise authority or power over
a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in controls
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rules
Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Supervisors have awarded grants to groups that have run afoul of state rules for charities, and some grants have lacked documentation showing they were properly spent.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
The Athletic breaks down what to expect and how the new rules may shape the World Cup and beyond.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 31 May 2026
But that was in no small part because the rehearsal process allowed the show’s cast to work out rules of engagement and get comfortable with one another.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 31 May 2026
The new security will also integrate existing Stolen Device Protection rules, such as familiar network and location checks.
—David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
They can be told the rules allow it.
—Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Chicago Preventing relapse after treatment Illinois continues confronting rising behavioral health demands while state and federal policymakers debate Medicaid eligibility rules, work requirements and spending reductions.
—Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
Right now, rules governing who pays when disaster strikes are too often opaque, inequitable, and poorly designed to incentivise prevention.
—Nina Seega, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Technically, the Heat isn’t eligible to trade its 2026 first-round pick because NBA rules prevent teams from being without a first-round selection in two consecutive years .
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
Aquarius rules collective movements, social networks and the future itself, so Pluto’s retrograde journey here has a way of exposing what’s been hidden within friendships, group dynamics, internet culture and even your own online persona.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
California rules to boost the number of women, people of color and LGBTQ+ board members were struck down.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB; Indian statutory body monitoring waste and pollution levels nationwide) rules state that such organic waste must be turned into compost or biogas through on-site treatment where possible.
—Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
The agreement will be halted if the European body rules against it.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
So the Beef Court rules in favor of Rivers.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Noun
The Lottery Commission voted Tuesday to authorize regulatory amendments that Executive Director Mark William Bracken said would set rules and regulations for iLottery games.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Supervisors have awarded grants to groups that have run afoul of state rules for charities, and some grants have lacked documentation showing they were properly spent.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
The Athletic breaks down what to expect and how the new rules may shape the World Cup and beyond.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 31 May 2026
But that was in no small part because the rehearsal process allowed the show’s cast to work out rules of engagement and get comfortable with one another.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 31 May 2026
The new security will also integrate existing Stolen Device Protection rules, such as familiar network and location checks.
—David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
They can be told the rules allow it.
—Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Chicago Preventing relapse after treatment Illinois continues confronting rising behavioral health demands while state and federal policymakers debate Medicaid eligibility rules, work requirements and spending reductions.
—Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Verb
The team did well to have Dart and Carter both address the media, which was not required based on the NFL’s offseason rules for player availability.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
Right now, rules governing who pays when disaster strikes are too often opaque, inequitable, and poorly designed to incentivise prevention.
—Nina Seega, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Technically, the Heat isn’t eligible to trade its 2026 first-round pick because NBA rules prevent teams from being without a first-round selection in two consecutive years .
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
Aquarius rules collective movements, social networks and the future itself, so Pluto’s retrograde journey here has a way of exposing what’s been hidden within friendships, group dynamics, internet culture and even your own online persona.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
California rules to boost the number of women, people of color and LGBTQ+ board members were struck down.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB; Indian statutory body monitoring waste and pollution levels nationwide) rules state that such organic waste must be turned into compost or biogas through on-site treatment where possible.
—Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
The agreement will be halted if the European body rules against it.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
So the Beef Court rules in favor of Rivers.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules
Noun
-
However, a look at records maintained by the South Coast Air Quality Management District show that some plants that use MMA have checkered pasts for keeping up with regulations.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
As readers are now no doubt aware, the 2026 regulations have painted the sport into a bit of a corner.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
While large-scale practical quantum computers remain a work in progress, governments and technology companies increasingly view the field as a strategic industry that could shape future scientific discovery and economic competitiveness.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
31 May 2026
-
However, governments like the United States have cut back their support for programs like the IRC's.—
Sarah Robbins,
NPR,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Culturally, populism spoke to a tension between the taste found in metropolitan centers and that of people in small towns across the country, pitting (for instance) classical opera and European masterwork exhibitions against folk traditions in art, dancing, and music.—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
This is quintessential Alberta—a place where Indigenous traditions breathe life into the land, where artistry ignites the soul, and where prehistoric treasures foster unwavering connections.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Students should know where they are enrolled, who grants their degree, who governs the curriculum, how financial aid works, where student services are delivered and who is accountable when something goes wrong.—
Christos Korgan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
The airport also said all discussions related to the lease negotiations are protected under North Carolina General Statute 132-6(d), which governs economic development records.—
DJ Simmons,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The price controls on credit cards and pharmaceuticals.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
-
Michigan is also home to competitive House races that could determine which party controls the lower chamber.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The policies proposed by the candidates range from eliminating key environmental laws to providing free childcare and college tuition.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
But the way telemedicine is practiced varies widely, and state laws largely dictate rules that telehealth providers must follow.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The plans are a striking departure from how previous administrations have handled the repatriation of Americans exposed to infectious diseases.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
-
Bondi has repeatedly faced scrutiny over allegations that the DOJ has, over several presidential administrations, shielded Epstein associates from accountability.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Like many studios, A24 tends to follow a pattern that dictates when their theatrical releases are released on digital streaming via premium video on demand.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
The consensus among the front office staffers that The Athletic spoke to is that the recruit ultimately dictates the timing.—
Antonio Morales,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rules. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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