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
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Recent Examples of ruling
CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
An arbitrator, however, on Monday released a ruling that Rozier’s salary, including the amount previously withheld, must be paid directly to the 31-year-old guard.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
But opponents saw the move as an attempt by López Obrador to strengthen the power of his ruling Morena party by overhauling the very judiciary that often blocked some of his policy proposals.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Responding to media reports, Nanos said authorities have no suspects or persons of interest in the case, but was not ruling anyone out.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruling
Noun
In November, an appeals court also halted a ruling from a federal judge in Chicago that restricted federal agents from using certain riot control weapons, such as tear gas and pepper balls, unless necessary to prevent an immediate threat.
—CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
An arbitrator, however, on Monday released a ruling that Rozier’s salary, including the amount previously withheld, must be paid directly to the 31-year-old guard.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Critics argue the measures target urban, educated, and affluent voters who may not support the ruling Fidesz party.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
But opponents saw the move as an attempt by López Obrador to strengthen the power of his ruling Morena party by overhauling the very judiciary that often blocked some of his policy proposals.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Verb
The leader of South Africa’s second-largest political party will step down, raising questions over the stability of the country’s ruling coalition.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Responding to media reports, Nanos said authorities have no suspects or persons of interest in the case, but was not ruling anyone out.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruling
Noun
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Revoice expanded it into a complete sentence that reflected urgency and frustration, based on emotional signals and context.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Epstein pleaded guilty instead to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from someone under age 18 and got an 18-month jail sentence.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Fortune,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The mechanism varied—presidential decree, rhetorical pressure, or quiet resignation—but the outcome proved consistent.—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Yoon was handed a five-year prison term this month for defying authorities' attempts to detain him and other charges related to the martial law decree.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Harvesting seed nearby is a way to get plants that are genetically adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions and are more likely to thrive.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
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In the northern United States, enjoying the starry winter sky requires protection against the prevailing low temperatures.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Basel Convention, a global treaty governing hazardous waste movement across borders, shapes how e-waste is recycled worldwide.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation — the sport’s governing body — investigated that race and said no rules were broken.—
Tim Reynolds,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Founded by Roth together with MCT, The Horror Section’s mission is to super-serve genre fans by owning and controlling a premium intellectual property library of unhinged films, TV series and games, in addition to a podcast and curating horror-centric experiences.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
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Diehard fans, Mastromartino said, can alleviate the emotional stress accompanying a loss by controlling their viewing environment.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As the verdict was announced, his followers unleashed a wave of fury across Punjab and Haryana.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Their convictions come more than two years after another judge issued a mixed verdict involving other members of Misick’s Progressive National Party government who were accused of similar charges in the archipelago, located about 600 miles south of Florida.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Covid-19 bred doubt about government edicts and skepticism about science, provoking an existential battle for truth.—
Richard Edelman,
Time,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Trump edicts weigh on stocks this week Geopolitical risks have weighed on investor sentiment this week.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Those stars with higher metal contents live longer and burn cooler in general, but only slightly, and in a way that’s much more impactful for higher mass stars than lower-mass stars.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
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Its focus soon shifted to ousting dictator Slobodan Milosevic, using mass demonstrations and a general strike across the provinces to make its point.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruling. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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