1
as in sentence
a decision made by a court or tribunal regarding a case it has heard
the controversial ruling by the state's supreme court caused an uproar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in decree
an order publicly issued by an authority
the FCC's ruling regarding the broadcasting of obscenities
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people
the ruling opinion on premarital sex
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in governing
to exercise authority or power over
a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in controlling
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ruling
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
This ruling recognizes both the legality and the humanity of TPS.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
Both Sheinbaum and Brugada are prominent members of the ruling Morena party.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
Miami is appealing Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal ruling that the city’s decision to postpone the November 2025 election to 2026 without voter approval was unconstitutional.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruling
Noun
The ruling landed as a symbolic rebuke of Musk’s sway over Tesla, and a warning about the excesses of Silicon Valley’s cult-of-founder ethos.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
This ruling recognizes both the legality and the humanity of TPS.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Ramaphosa and his ruling African National Congress party have presided over 30 years of misgovernance and Black stagnation, and the ANC’s grip on power is now looking shakier.
—Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
Both Sheinbaum and Brugada are prominent members of the ruling Morena party.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Verb
Since coming to power less than a year ago, Ishiba has overseen his ruling coalition lose its majorities in elections for both houses of parliament amid voter anger over rising living costs.
—CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
Miami is appealing Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal ruling that the city’s decision to postpone the November 2025 election to 2026 without voter approval was unconstitutional.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruling
Noun
-
In January, nearly two years into Todd and Julie's respective 12-year and seven-year sentences, Chase had his own run-in with the law when he was taken into custody and charged with simple battery after allegedly striking the manager of an Atlanta-area sports bar in the face.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Kentucky's persistent felony offender (PFO) law, enacted in 1974 and expanded in 1976, allows for enhanced sentences for repeat felony offenders.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Signed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, last week’s decree said that finished footwear products imported into Mexico utilizing IMMEX grew by a whopping 159 percent in volume and more than 60 percent in value year over year in 2024.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Sep. 2025
-
As the decrees were lifted, most districts went back to allowing communities and housing patterns to dictate the racial makeup of schools.—
Krista Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Republicans departed Washington promising to make changes to the Senate rules governing how nominees are confirmed despite objections from Democrats.—
Lauren Peller,
ABC News,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Getty Images European football governing body UEFA has granted FC Barcelona special permission to switch its home venue half way through the Champions League’s 2025/2026 league phase according to RAC1, which cited anonymous sources.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, there's a significant difference between containing and controlling a wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Merino wool also has natural temperature-regulating and odor-controlling properties—both of which are ideal for hiking.—
Anne Taylor,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In a statement to USA TODAY, one of Combs’ attorneys, Erica Wolff, said the jury’s not-guilty verdicts undermine the validity of the civil claims.—
Gina Barton,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Bravery means reframing rejection as data, not a verdict.—
Jill Schulman,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The edict is also risky, potentially giving viewers the sense that Brennan is less able to question or challenge her guests — one of the main elements of TV’s Sunday political shows that bring viewers to them in the first place.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Ever since, as the Taliban returned to power, once again issuing edicts to suppress women and girls, the clinic and its 34-year-old midwife Atifa have continued to provide a lifeline for mothers and young children.—
Elise Blanchard,
Time,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
How Often To Clean Linoleum Floors For general cleaning, Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, recommends removing dust and debris in high-traffic areas daily using a dry microfiber mop.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Remember to label, date, and mark each soil sample with the general location where it was collected.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Merino wool also has natural temperature-regulating and odor-controlling properties—both of which are ideal for hiking.—
Anne Taylor,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Complex carbs also are likely to contain fiber which is very helpful in regulating blood glucose concentration.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruling. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share