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

Facing unpredictable tariffs, fleet disruptions, and intense competition, the company is entering a new era of reglobalization, where automated belt systems, edge robotics, and new trade patterns are rewriting the rules of global supply chains. — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 15 July 2026 The publisher added a direct purchase option to the game in violation of both Apple’s and Google’s rules. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026 Alpine pulled this strategy straight out of Formula 1, where strict racing rules ban teams from testing physical cars on real tracks for most of the year. — New Atlas, 15 July 2026 The Federal Communications Commission is changing its rules so that local TV station owners can get much, much bigger. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 City code enforcement staff requested on July 9 that the San Jose Appeals Hearing Board impose a $235,000 fine on Kaizen Lounge due to alleged violations of city rules. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 After an investigation was conducted, the Cruise Lines International Association and the International Maritime Organization implemented over 30 new safety rules and policies to avoid replicating the 2012 disaster, per CNN. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 That’s why in New York City, there are rules and regulations and guidelines regarding frequent sampling and testing at these cooling towers. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 15 July 2026 City staff recommended approving the plan with a deviation from the usual rules to allow for the 10-ft decorative fence. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Verb

Disclosure rules under the ESPR, which big businesses are already expected to comply with, will also take effect for their medium-sized counterparts in 2030. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 Similarly, a party may take a view of a legal issue which is entirely reasonable but later the court rules otherwise. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The stay will remain in place until at least 14 days after the court rules on xAI’s request for a preliminary injunction, which is a court order that would block the law from taking effect while the case is decided. — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 9 July 2026 Pahira's death comes as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has made tightening commercial driver licensing rules a top priority following multiple fatal crashes involving non-domiciled CDL holders over the past two years. — Elaine Mallon , James Cirrone , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 Beckett Lane rules his school and the hearts of many of the girls in it. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 The California Foster Youth Bill of Rights comes into play when deciding what rules the county can place on the youths. — Theresa Clift july 2, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 The city has also been fighting Miami-Dade County rules around transit stations that allow developers to substantially scale up residential and commercial projects. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Whether the court rules for or against Shekarchi, the decision is likely to be appealed to the state Supreme Court. — Patrick Anderson, The Providence Journal, 30 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules

Noun

Starlink’s satellite internet has launched in around two dozen other African countries, but Musk has refused to follow South Africa’s affirmative action regulations.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 July 2026
The Garden City Police Department posted a video to its Facebook page Thursday helping to explain the new regulations.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026

Definition of regulations

Noun

Most recently, a flurry of appeals from several governments — including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar — dissuaded Trump from following through on a plan to collect fees from ships transiting the strait.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
For investors, central bankers and governments, the spectre of an inflation shock that many had hoped was behind us has hoved back into view.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 19 July 2026

Definition of governments

Verb

The comment was a reference to the once-in-a-decade review of the BBC’s royal charter, which governs its operations and priorities.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Community advocates have largely pushed for an ordinance, a local law that typically governs the actions of the general public.

— Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Definition of governs

Verb

Ella Langley controls three of the top four spots on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, joining Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter as the only female artists to manage the feat.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
And Hamas—which ended the war with about twenty thousand fighters, some recruited and trained during the war—controls the remainder of Gaza.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Definition of controls

Noun

Politicians have been ushered on the stages of megachurches to receive a pastor’s endorsement despite IRS tax laws that forbid it.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Bonta’s office did not respond to a request for comment on whether DHS ownership of the facilities could limit the state’s ability to enforce its oversight laws, including AB 103.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of laws

Noun

There’s been a political tug-of-war over Bears Ears and Grand Staircase for years that aligns with changing presidential administrations.

— Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026
Successive administrations tolerated his feed-the-beast strategy—not agreeing with it but also not bringing any pressure to bear.

— Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026