Synonyms of rules

rules 1 of 2

noun

plural of rule

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

• regulations
• laws
• codes
• instructions
• values
• standards
• guidelines
• regs
• bylaws
• principles
• ground rules
• constitutions
• restrictions
• ordinances
• statutes
• commandments
• morals
• prohibitions
• directives
• directions
• conventions
• dictates
• practices
• guides
• directories
• precepts
• decrees
• maxims
• edicts
• traditions
• axioms
• habits
• acts
• commands
• customs
• fundamentals
• manners
• orders
• formulas
• bans
• mores
• proscriptions
• fiats
• behests
• blueprints
• decalogues
• canons
• charges
• interdictions
• ways

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

• governments
• administrations
• governances
• regimes
• jurisdictions
• reigns
• regimens
• powers
• authorities
• dictatorships
• regulations
• tyrannies
• sovereignties
• leaderships
• oppressions
• dominations
• dominions
• managements
• directions
• supremacies
• commands
• sways
• autocracies
• hegemonies
• supervisions
• subjugations
• superintendences
• masteries

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

• traditions
• principles
• values
• standards
• customs
• conventions
• ethics
• norms
• prescriptions
• rubrics
• superstitions
• modes
• mores
• heritages
• legacies
• forms
• cultures
• inheritances
• lifestyles
• birthrights
• lores
• folklores

rules

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rule

1

as in governs

to exercise authority or power over

a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• governs
• controls
• dictates
• commands
• dominates
• bosses
• captains
• manages
• presides (over)
• sways
• leads
• oversees
• domineers
• administers
• regulates
• masters
• supervises
• conducts
• directs
• heads
• reigns (over)
• micromanages
• oppresses
• lords (it over)
• conquers
• tyrannizes
• superintends
• subjugates
• subdues

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

• controls
• curbs
• regulates
• contains
• keeps
• measures
• restrains
• governs
• constrains
• checks
• stifles
• tames
• suppresses
• inhibits
• reins (in)
• holds
• stops
• bridles
• pulls in
• blocks
• interrupts
• chokes (back)
• swallows
• arrests
• strangles
• holds back
• silences
• pockets
• represses
• hinders
• bottles (up)
• muffles
• impedes
• minces
• obstructs
• smothers
• hampers
• squelches
• sinks
• handcuffs
• muzzles
• gags

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loses
• loosens
• liberates
• expresses
• takes out
• unleashes
• looses
• airs
• vents

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rules

Noun

Public fireworks productions require display permits, according to state rules. —Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 June 2026

So Daniel’s book violated those rules, and Louis’ actions within the book did, too. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 June 2026

Russia says the bans are related to violations of agricultural import rules. —ABC News, 7 June 2026

The decision came about a month after the Newport Mesa Unified School District voted to ban e-bikes for all elementary and middle school students, while imposing stricter rules for high schoolers. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 7 June 2026

Unlike her, my father had no qualms about breaking rules. —Andrea Bajani, New Yorker, 7 June 2026

Pay attention to rules and regulations, because authority figures might catch you off guard. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

Florida enacted emergency rules Friday to prevent the New World screwworm from making its way to the Sunshine State. —Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 7 June 2026

The Lottery Commission voted Tuesday to authorize regulatory amendments that Executive Director Mark William Bracken said would set rules and regulations for iLottery games. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026

Verb

If the court strikes down such grace periods, the implications could extend well beyond California and 13 other states that give a grace period for regular ballots, depending on how the court ultimately rules. —Linh Tat, Daily News, 9 June 2026

The bony villain is a warlock who stole the throne of Eternia from King Randor and now rules it with a tyrannical fist. —Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026

Young Prince Adam of Eternia (Nicholas Galitzine) is sent to Earth to protect him from the evil and hilarious Skeletor (Jared Leto), who now rules Eternia. —Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 4 June 2026

The meetings were, however, viewed as a success by commissioner Greg Sankey as league leaders discussed the College Football Playoff and contingency plans should Congressional oversight not prove an option in the quest for uniformity and rules enforcement. —Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 3 June 2026

The team did well to have Dart and Carter both address the media, which was not required based on the NFL’s offseason rules for player availability. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026

Right now, rules governing who pays when disaster strikes are too often opaque, inequitable, and poorly designed to incentivise prevention. —Nina Seega, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

Technically, the Heat isn’t eligible to trade its 2026 first-round pick because NBA rules prevent teams from being without a first-round selection in two consecutive years . —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026

Aquarius rules collective movements, social networks and the future itself, so Pluto’s retrograde journey here has a way of exposing what’s been hidden within friendships, group dynamics, internet culture and even your own online persona. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026