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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of rules
Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
If the high court rules in the favor of the comptroller general who filed the suit, the port sale would be annulled.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
But local rules designed to preserve neighborhoods now stifle housing development, reformers say.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
But Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have also lodged an appeal to the France’s Council of State over windowing rules which force them to wait 15 to 17 months to access films after their theatrical release.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
In the dynamic world of beauty and wellness, the old rules of marketing and consumer engagement no longer apply.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Under current rules, the play is not eligible for review.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
There are exceptions to the current rules.
—Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Under Senate rules, Ingrassia, White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security, can lose only three Republican votes before requiring Vice President JD Vance to cast a tiebreaker, assuming unanimous Democratic opposition.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
But only one inspection involved an English language rules violation that resulted in a driver being taken out of service.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Indeed, election law experts say that for Democrats, a worst case-scenario could mean a loss of as many as 19 congressional seats if, as seems likely, the court rules against the existing understanding of the federal election law.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
The Hotelstars rules mandate that five-star hotels must have a 24-hour reception, lounge area, and valet service in the common areas.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
American companies may be waiting to see how the Supreme Court rules on tariffs, the Goldman analysts said.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2025
Let’s say, hypothetically, that one of these appellate courts rules in favor of the administration.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025
If any court of law, having the jurisdiction to decide on this matter, rules that any provision of these Official Rules is invalid or unenforceable, then that provision will be removed from the Official Rules without affecting the rest of the Terms.
—Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
Similarly, they are expected to have little trouble with UEFA rules this season.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
The new rules went into effect for the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in 2023, according to an internal memo obtained by The National.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
If the high court rules in the favor of the comptroller general who filed the suit, the port sale would be annulled.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
But local rules designed to preserve neighborhoods now stifle housing development, reformers say.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
But Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have also lodged an appeal to the France’s Council of State over windowing rules which force them to wait 15 to 17 months to access films after their theatrical release.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
In the dynamic world of beauty and wellness, the old rules of marketing and consumer engagement no longer apply.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Under current rules, the play is not eligible for review.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
There are exceptions to the current rules.
—Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Under Senate rules, Ingrassia, White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security, can lose only three Republican votes before requiring Vice President JD Vance to cast a tiebreaker, assuming unanimous Democratic opposition.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Just last season, he was suspended for three games after a hit to the head of Jacksonville Jaguars passer Trevor Lawrence, prompting a public reprimand from the NFL policy and rules administration.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
But only one inspection involved an English language rules violation that resulted in a driver being taken out of service.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Indeed, election law experts say that for Democrats, a worst case-scenario could mean a loss of as many as 19 congressional seats if, as seems likely, the court rules against the existing understanding of the federal election law.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
The Hotelstars rules mandate that five-star hotels must have a 24-hour reception, lounge area, and valet service in the common areas.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
American companies may be waiting to see how the Supreme Court rules on tariffs, the Goldman analysts said.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2025
Let’s say, hypothetically, that one of these appellate courts rules in favor of the administration.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025
If any court of law, having the jurisdiction to decide on this matter, rules that any provision of these Official Rules is invalid or unenforceable, then that provision will be removed from the Official Rules without affecting the rest of the Terms.
—Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
Similarly, they are expected to have little trouble with UEFA rules this season.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules
Noun
-
Liquor retailers, whose city regulations were set prior to the legalization of cannabis use in Minnesota, must be 300 feet from schools or churches.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
26 Oct. 2025
-
LaMalfa has been a strong supporter of farmers and ranchers, calling for fewer environmental regulations, more water projects, and opposing the reintroduction of wolves in Northern California.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Italy, with its revolving-door governments, and Greece, with its bailouts and austerity hangovers.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
-
And nonprofit organizations must step up and work together in partnership with other anti-hunger organizations, older adult providers, and local and state governments to continue this invaluable research.—
Beth Shapiro,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The teachings of the two traditions align on many major issues, but the Catholic Church does not ordain women and generally does not allow priests to marry.—
Joshua McElwee,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
-
He is considered to be an original disruptor in the wine world thanks to his passion for creating innovative wines that sometimes seem counterintuitive to the older traditions held by many French winemakers.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In astrology, Mercury governs the mind and communication, while Saturn represents boundaries, discipline and the lessons that come with experience.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The ordinance that governs this is 79-11, which says placing leaves out in the street per the city's guidelines isn't prohibited during the collection period.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Advertisement The vote could therefore play a key role in deciding who controls the House after the midterms.—
Richard Hall,
Time,
25 Oct. 2025
-
China controls about 70 percent of rare earth mining and 90 percent of separation and processing.—
Young Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Cameron Winklevoss The cofounder of crypto platform Gemini and early Bitcoin billionaire is a consistent GOP donor lobbying for clear crypto laws.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Due to the state's open records laws, the lottery must, upon request, release the name and city of the winner.—
Steven Martinez,
jsonline.com,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Past administrations relied on law enforcement to interdict drug shipments.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
22 Oct. 2025
-
While details regarding substantive policy agreements are yet to be determined, Takaichi's comments remain positive and focused on alliance-building, providing continuity with previous Japanese administrations.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Royal styling dictates that former wives of peers can keep their courtesy title by placing their first name before it.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
When that happens, state law dictates that the commissioner must either close the campus or take over the district.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rules. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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