as in decides
to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute)
the coach ruled on the question of whether an off-campus bar fight ought to disqualify someone from the team
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules (on)
Verb
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Pilate caves and decides to crucify Jesus, whom Christians believe rose from the dead three days later.—
Nathanael Andrade,
The Conversation,
11 Apr. 2025 -
Out of the box, the firewall analyzes new programs and decides whether to allow network access.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Some towns have seen large drops in their grand lists caused in part by changes made in recent years to the state law that determines how local officials figure the value of cars for property tax purposes.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
10 Apr. 2025
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Bordeaux is divided by the Left Bank and Right Bank, which basically determines whether your wine has more Cab (Left Bank) or more Merlot (Right Bank).—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The best way to tackle this show is to watch Season 1, then look up the big spoiler for Season 2, and then skip Season 2 and watch Season 3, where the program ultimately settles into its melodramatic, soapy groove.—
Erin Strecker,
IndieWire,
3 Jan. 2025
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As Seattle settles into the rainy season, don't expect a sea of umbrellas on the sidewalks.—
Christine Clarridge,
Axios,
2 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Rules (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rules%20%28on%29. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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