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

Republicans in two red states couldn’t convince voters to change election rules to make their party stronger. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 However, borrowers who took out federal loans on or after July 1, 2026, face different repayment rules under the new federal student loan framework. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 Violating the alternate-side rules — which vary by neighborhood and can see the streets swept anywhere from one to three times a week — already nets New Yorkers a $65 fine. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 During the town hall, Collier also asked district leaders questions from index cards filled out by attendees who sought answers on topics such as uncertified teachers, classroom rules and new instructional models. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026 There are explicit state-level rules about disparate impact, as well. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026 Kentucky recently passed a law mandating that pause and the federal Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network is working on new rules that also would require all the nation’s OPOs to implement it. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 What to know about privacy Hospitals and doctors’ offices must follow codes of ethics and rules that protect sensitive patient health information and protect privacy, but AI is not bound by the same strict federal rules. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 And those rules involve nudity and drinking, along with pets, cooking and spending the night. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Verb

Narbonne is appealing its three-year playoff ban in football for City Section rules violations. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 How the agency rules on the experimental vaccine made by Moderna has big implications for the future of mRNA research. — Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 Academy rules state that no more than two statuettes are normally awarded for Best Original Song. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Paramount faces an extinction-level event if the court rules against it, as a $7 billion regulatory termination fee would be extracted if the deal entirely collapses. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 Dog rules at the mall Despite the welcoming atmosphere, there are still dog rules at Aventura Mall. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 When information rules everything, hearts and minds become comparable in value to oil and land. — Will Cady, SPIN, 30 July 2026 The proceedings will then go forward in a trial format, with an opportunity to appeal if the commission rules against him. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026 As such neither, as per Article 16 of the FIGC’s Sports Agents rules on incompatibility and conflict of interest, would have had to leave their roles in the event Pirlo senior secured the Italy job. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules

Noun

Many of the jet owners keep their aircraft for personal use, flying under the FAA’s Part 91 regulations.

— Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The current regulations would be mostly scrapped, leaving providers to only abide by state rules that are often much less stringent or nonexistent.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of regulations

Noun

All that has significant implications for the companies that build data centers and the governments that want them to be built.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Electricity demand is rising, artificial intelligence has turned access to power into a strategic issue, and governments are once again treating nuclear energy as an essential part of national energy policy.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of governments

Noun

And for Southerners, in particular, these types of trips provide chances to pass down beloved traditions and introduce the next generation to the places and pastimes that have long been part of your family’s story.

— Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026
There is no intent other than honoring the traditions of the Native American history.

— Scott Powers, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of traditions

Verb

Congress has not passed a farm bill — a legislative package normally done every five years that governs agricultural and food programs — since 2018.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Christopherson said the wider drop-off defies the simple currency logic that normally governs foreign buying behavior.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Definition of governs

Noun

Liberal advocacy groups urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to end his attacks on ABC, and conservative groups warned Carr not to set a precedent that would harm conservatives in future administrations.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026
But everyone will suffer if other administrations maintain barriers to entry that discriminate on the basis of country of origin.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026

Definition of administrations

Noun

Their rules tend to reflect strong preferences for aesthetic uniformity, believed by some to be associated with higher home values.

— Daniel Kramer, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
The show is remembered for its positive portrayal of a Black family with strong morals and values.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026