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rule

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rule distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of rule are canon, law, ordinance, precept, regulation, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When might canon be a better fit than rule?

In some situations, the words canon and rule are roughly equivalent. However, canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

When is law a more appropriate choice than rule?

While the synonyms law and rule are close in meaning, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

When is it sensible to use ordinance instead of rule?

While in some cases nearly identical to rule, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

Where would precept be a reasonable alternative to rule?

The meanings of precept and rule largely overlap; however, precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can regulation take the place of rule?

The words regulation and rule are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would statute be a good substitute for rule?

The words statute and rule can be used in similar contexts, but statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

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 rule
Noun
Under the rules, the SP80 is not allowed to use the same type of electronics or lithium batteries to help adjust the sails as, say, the America’s Cup or SailGP foilers, even though, proportionally speaking, the SP80 is facing a much higher load on its sails. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025 Jamie speaks about the red pill 80-20 rule in the manosphere, or the theory by some men that only 80% of women are attracted to 20% of men. Emily Maddick, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
When the high court ruled against specific racial quotas, many defenders of such policies mourned the beginning of the end for civil rights reforms. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025 The bill is a response to a summer Supreme Court decision that ruled in an Oregon case that towns can pass and enforce ordinances that prevent people from sleeping outside. Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
Noun
  • That’s despite sales of battery and hybrid electric vehicles of any brand rising in January as the E.U. continues to tighten regulations on emissions from new vehicles.
    Simmone Shah, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Context: The Clean Air Act lets EPA grant California waivers to set its own vehicle emissions regulations that are more stringent than federal rules, and other states can follow suit.
    Nick Sobczyk, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Eyewitnesses have accused government supporters of carrying out execution-style killings and video footage has emerged of mass graves.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
  • He's also uprooted what the GOP has long decried as social engineering by liberals, reflected recently by programs known as DEI (for diversity, equity and inclusion) − now banned in the federal government.
    Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This culinary institution strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
    Shelby Knick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Tony Bennett Cheek to Cheek perfectly reflects Taurus’ Venusian sensuality and love for tradition.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There’s no national governing body for swim instructors.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Representatives from the five national governing bodies (NGBs) will convene at least every two weeks.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • From the outset, the premise of Monstress and its tale is a dire one: imagine a 1900s alternative universe controlled by a cruel matriarchal society in Asia.
    Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Many of these features, along with the onboard alarm system, are controlled via the Aventon mobile app.
    Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The office did not answer questions about whether any correspondence had been deleted, or how that would comply with public records laws and the city’s records retention policy.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Keep up with changing data privacy laws that offer consumer protections.
    Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Duterte’s defense Duterte’s legal team said that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration shouldn’t have allowed the global court to take custody of the former leader because the Philippines is no longer a party to the ICC.
    Mike Corder, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Musk's posts today have been a combination of news about the Trump administration, updates on Tesla technology, and podcast clips about himself, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In contrast, when a person feels emotionally validated, their nervous system remains regulated and open to connection, reinforcing trust and intimacy.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The red states allege that the claims pending in state court seek to regulate activity outside of the blue states' borders and involve an area governed by federal law.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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