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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And while Elliott would like to see Nielsen as the next CEO, if the board decides on someone else who is equally qualified, Elliott will support that decision.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026 -
Georgia grows tired of her husband and their nightly trips to the fancy French restaurant and decides to have an affair with another man at another table (Alan Howard).—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The system determines whether sanitization is needed and leaves that choice to the user.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
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Even with a healthy points balance, flexibility often determines whether booking an award flight is possible.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The winner was chosen by an independent panel, which each year judges the entries on artistic achievement.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
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Joining judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough this week is former dancing pro Kym Johnson.—
Brianne Tracy,
PEOPLE,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Users who prefer the safety net offer can bet up to $1,000 on any market and bet a bonus refund if their bet settles as a loss.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
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Wilmington, North Carolina During the fall months, Wilmington settles into its natural coastal rhythm.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 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 11 Jan. 2026.
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