RULES Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

rules 1 of 2

noun

plural of rule

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

as in governments

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

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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

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rules

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rule

as in governs

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rules

Noun

The new rules would not restrict banks' ability to count housing tax credit investments toward their Community Reinvestment Act obligations, an administration official said. — Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026 But a key rationale for eligibility rules is to establish bright-line, predictable rules that should promote fair play and competition, with colleges, coaches and athletes treated similarly in similar situations. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026 New rules include stricter voter ID and citizenship-document requirements, as well as tighter mail-ballot deadlines. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 With shifting tariff rules and trade policies, merchants need to stay flexible to handle sudden political and financial changes. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 It’s been caused by somebody else—something else getting in the way or not following road rules, and then crashing into the Waymo. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Sacramento-area readers are tracking three developing stories this Monday, from a state legislator weighing new police transparency rules to the comeback of a major country music festival. — Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 First, the agency can issue cease-and-desist orders requiring a party to comply with FCC rules or orders. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 The Nobel rules limit the award to no more than three collaborators. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026

Verb

Florida High School Athletic Association rules state that runners who don’t participate in district meets are ineligible for region races. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Rebekka Nygård Bak, an adviser to Greenland’s fisheries ministry, told the outlet that rules requiring bycatch-friendly equipment and better bycatch reporting could also help. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2026 Spain also proposed new data center rules this summer, requiring data centers to source 80% of their electricity from renewables. — April Roach,jenny Lee, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026 The mayor is missing, the mafia is involved, a mad scientist rules the basement and all the prostitutes are vampires. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Stable streaming numbers have served as the backbone to the song’s consistency, as the track rules the Rap Streaming Songs ranking for a 17th week. — Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026 Mandeb Strait are just the latest in a series of violations of the norms and rules governing oceans. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 Neither claims the most dangerous thresholds have been crossed though neither rules it out. — Ashish K. Jha, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026 Ward 1 Alderman Harry Huntley said the legislation builds on outdoor dining rules the city codified in 2024. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules

Noun

The subtext of much of the industry’s palaver about the need for new regulations is that AI is so new-fangled that the old rules don’t apply.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
The second began in 2010, when heroin, made cheaper by more efficient distribution, flooded the illicit market just as federal authorities began to tighten regulations on prescription opioids.

— Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of regulations

Noun

Meloni's right-wing coalition says the change will lead to more stable governments and avoid chaotic post-election dealmaking.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
While practical, large-scale quantum computing remains a major engineering challenge, governments are increasingly treating the technology as a strategic capability rather than just a scientific pursuit.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of governments

Noun

Spending time together brings out their humor and fighting spirit, alongside emotional stories and traditions passed down through generations.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
From Mexican carnicerías and halal markets to African grocers and Eastern European delis, these businesses provide access to ingredients, traditions and flavors that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

— Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of traditions

Verb

Under the rules of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which governs high school sports in the state, such a switch is permitted.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
The role will also oversee political giving as the company seeks a bigger voice in how Washington governs AI.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of governs

Noun

Last week, prediction markets received a favorable court ruling in Illinois that halted the state from implementing its gambling laws on Kalshi and Coinbase event contracts.

— Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
No amount of training can erase the fear created by vague laws backed by severe penalties.

— Dara Kass, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of laws

Noun

OpenAI has hired at least three from the president’s administrations to work across strategy and special projects.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
The United States under successive presidential administrations has been critical of the ICC since its founding.

— Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026