RULE Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rule 1 of 2

noun

ˈrül

Definition of rule next

as in regulation

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

Relevance

as in government

lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation) the years during which Russia was under Communist rule

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in tradition

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

rule

2 of 2

verb

as in to govern

to exercise authority or power over a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to control

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

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

Ingram, 27, finally finds a new home after almost 10 months of uncertainty surrounding his future and countless conversations about his value in the marketplace under the restrictive rules of the new CBA. —

Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025 The Trump administration is vowing to roll back tougher emissions rules that give rise to those regulatory credits in the first place. —

Chris Isidore, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025

Verb

But the people in Gaza shouldn’t have to pay for a tyranny that rules over them with an iron fist. —

Hen Mazzig, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025 These Pay for Success examples satisfy rules one and two: assess for success and spend wisely. —

Tracy Palandjian, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rule

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule

Noun

Our brains are electrical, and if two people meet each other in a state of deep regulation, the field of their calm expands way beyond them, extending it to other people.

— Jessica DuLong, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Addae-Wusu scored Seton Hall’s final 10 points of regulation, including three free throws after being fouled beyond the arc, and the game-tying triple.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2025