Synonyms of rules

rules 1 of 2

noun

plural of rule

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

• regulations
• laws
• codes
• instructions
• values
• standards
• guidelines
• regs
• bylaws
• principles
• ground rules
• constitutions
• restrictions
• ordinances
• statutes
• commandments
• morals
• prohibitions
• directives
• directions
• conventions
• dictates
• practices
• guides
• directories
• precepts
• decrees
• maxims
• edicts
• traditions
• axioms
• habits
• acts
• commands
• customs
• fundamentals
• manners
• orders
• formulas
• bans
• mores
• proscriptions
• fiats
• behests
• blueprints
• decalogues
• canons
• charges
• interdictions
• ways

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

• governments
• administrations
• governances
• regimes
• jurisdictions
• reigns
• regimens
• powers
• authorities
• dictatorships
• regulations
• tyrannies
• sovereignties
• leaderships
• oppressions
• dominations
• dominions
• managements
• directions
• supremacies
• commands
• sways
• autocracies
• hegemonies
• supervisions
• subjugations
• superintendences
• masteries

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

• traditions
• principles
• values
• standards
• customs
• conventions
• ethics
• norms
• prescriptions
• rubrics
• superstitions
• modes
• mores
• heritages
• legacies
• forms
• cultures
• inheritances
• lifestyles
• birthrights
• lores
• folklores

rules

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rule

1

as in governs

to exercise authority or power over

a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• governs
• controls
• dictates
• commands
• dominates
• bosses
• captains
• manages
• presides (over)
• sways
• leads
• oversees
• domineers
• administers
• regulates
• masters
• supervises
• conducts
• directs
• heads
• reigns (over)
• micromanages
• oppresses
• lords (it over)
• conquers
• tyrannizes
• superintends
• subjugates
• subdues

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

• controls
• curbs
• regulates
• contains
• keeps
• measures
• restrains
• governs
• constrains
• checks
• stifles
• tames
• suppresses
• inhibits
• reins (in)
• holds
• stops
• bridles
• pulls in
• blocks
• interrupts
• chokes (back)
• swallows
• arrests
• strangles
• holds back
• silences
• pockets
• represses
• hinders
• bottles (up)
• muffles
• impedes
• minces
• obstructs
• smothers
• hampers
• squelches
• sinks
• handcuffs
• muzzles
• gags

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loses
• loosens
• liberates
• expresses
• takes out
• unleashes
• looses
• airs
• vents

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rules

Noun

In seeking a new trial, Anthony’s attorneys have argued that the June proceedings were marred by strict courtroom rules and improper jury instructions. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Federal rules generally require more credentials and inspections for boats carrying more than six passengers for hire. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

The California Energy Commission on Monday voted to approve rules that will phase out replacement tires that don't meet the state's energy-efficiency standards. — Tom Wait, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

But on July 3 of last year, five federal departments filed rules in the Federal Register that gutted their own environmental review regulations. — Will Pattiz, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Anthony’s legal team argued Wednesday that a retrial is needed in part because Roach enforced overly strict courtroom rules and gave an interview after the trial was over. — Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Feely had to do more than learn the rules of the sport to take on his new role. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

New federal rules are creating issues for states The federal rules in question were first proposed last year and were finalized in May. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

For instance, European Union rules entitle travelers to standardized monetary compensation for significant flight delays or cancellations within airline control. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Department of Revenue rules state that Wisconsin residents can claim this credit on only one primary residence. — Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2026

That era comes to an end now as NBA rules demand a governor has to own at least 15% of a team. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

No matter which way the judge rules, either side could appeal it, which would mean a further delay on knowing whether this goes forward or not. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

If approved, that would pause the election process while the court rules on the anti-data center ordinance’s validity. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026

If you were born with Cancer rising, Leo rules your second house of money, along with the ever-burning sun! — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

View gallery - 6 images Though streaming rules the listening roost, physical formats like vinyl are growing in popularity. — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

First came an uproar over the Fever potentially skirting WNBA injury report rules as star guard Caitlin Clark worked her way through a back injury early in the season. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026