rule 1 of 2

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 pressure from corporate lobbyists, the EC has been discussing reshaping rules that govern how companies monitor and report their activity. David Vetter, Fortune, 18 June 2025 The Golden Globes has released its timeline, eligibility rules and award guidelines, for the 83rd annual awards ceremony. Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Verb
Fly a Kite in Imperial Huế The city of Huế was once the cradle of imperial power, and was where Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 June 2025 The Rock Church won its suit last summer when a federal judge ruled in its favor. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
Noun
  • The suspect's background in private security and his use of police-like tactics has raised questions about screening processes for security personnel and the regulation of companies that operate police-resembling vehicles.
    Adeola Adeosun Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Game 2 — Panthers 5, Oilers 4 (double overtime): The Oilers tied the game with 17.8 seconds left in regulation to force overtime for a second consecutive game.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Weekly analysis and insights from Asia’s largest economy in your inbox Subscribe now On Wednesday, Li urged global business leaders and senior government representatives to collaborate and avoid turning trade into a political or security issue.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Even after Trump was elected, senior Israeli government officials purportedly said a decision was reached in March—about one month before Trump met with Netanyahu in Washington—to strike Iran with or without U.S. assistance, according to The Post.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Many came away feeling the mock curtsy had disrespected a long-standing British tradition, and the fact that the queen had died three months earlier no doubt did not help.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • The White House did not issue a Pride Month proclamation this year — or during Trump’s first administration, reversing a tradition that started in 1999.
    Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Keeping politics out of the game sounds like an entirely reasonable position for world football’s governing body to take.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • World soccer’s governing body has been unable to convince fans or players that the tournament — a 32-team, month-long competition wedged between the end of one European season and the start of the next — was necessary, or even desired.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • For the first 48 hours, her head was fully bandaged, a bit like a mummy, to control swelling.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 16 June 2025
  • But President Trump, and the Republican Party—which controls both Houses of Congress --are united on the bill’s main objective.
    Richard McGahey, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • And American law, then as now, tends to favor legacy over hustle.
    Aron Solomon June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • Idaho Supreme Court says Sánchez vacated her seat In an opinion written by Justice Gregory Moeller, the Supreme Court disagreed with Sánchez on three essential points surrounding the Idaho law cited by the City Council.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • González-Ramos added that so far ICE agents in P.R. have arrested close to 500 immigrants for deportation in the first four months of Trump’s second administration, less than 80 of whom had criminal records; three-quarters of those arrested have been Dominican nationals.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 18 June 2025
  • There were no new agreements made between December 2020 and February 2025 during former President Biden's administration.
    Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Last week, the Senate approved the stablecoin bill, establishing a framework to regulate these digital currencies that are linked to the U.S. dollar.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Clouds play an important role in regulating the climate.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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