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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
Two years later, Kirsten Stewart tiptoed around the rule by arriving in stilettos and pointedly removing them when arriving at the photographer’s pit. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 The game started at 7 p.m. and on the first pitch, one of Banana Ball’s rules came into play. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
Verb
The large settlement came after a state appeals court ruled the city had denied Petrovich a fair hearing on his proposal to build a gas station there. Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2025 The researchers counted ectopic pregnancy as an adverse event, arguing that doctors should have ruled it out before prescribing mifepristone. Keren Landman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
Noun
  • Texas lawmakers followed suit, and Abbott signed House Bill 1325 into effect in 2019, allowing the production and regulation of hemp, which comes from the cannabis sativa plant.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • Formula regulations in the U.S. and Europe, including requirements for nutrients and testing, differ somewhat, but are generally similar, Abrams said.
    Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The federal government often picks up the entire bill in big disasters and most of it in smaller ones.
    Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • The legislative measure failed, but the Canadian courts issued a ruling in favor of youth climate litigants alleging government responsibility for climate change impacts.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • In June, the lodge will welcome Dry Fly Saloon, its on-site restaurant, serving hearty breakfasts and dinners inspired by Montana’s culinary traditions.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
  • More and more people are adjusting tradition to find something that suits them better.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Those organizations want to police themselves, and have gone so far as to have a meeting earlier this year to lay down the rules to the NCAA at how that organization will govern those two top leagues.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
  • Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • In 1950, the wall was reconstructed to control erosion and create artificial beaches.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
  • Cardinale and his team have long chased the Telegraph, but an earlier an earlier attempt to buy it through All3Media owner RedBird IMI, which is majority controlled out of the Middle East, was blocked by the Conservative Party.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Asian Americans’ outrage over a judge’s leniency in the case — the assailants received $3,000 fines and no jail time — sparked a surge of activism seeking tougher hate crime laws nationwide.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 31 May 2025
  • Sunday marks the first batch — 83, to be exact — to become law.
    Hannah Gaskill, Baltimore Sun, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • On the day the triennial opened, the Trump administration announced its intention to bar Harvard University from admitting international students.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Emanuel was most notably chief of staff for former President Barack Obama from 2008-2010, as well as serving as an adviser in former President Bill Clinton’s administration and as mayor of Chicago for eight years.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Using the large-scale health research database UK Biobank, the researchers examined data from individuals with rare variants in the genes regulating SCFA-binding receptors and compared their cardiovascular medical history to that of control individuals.
    Paul McClure June 01, New Atlas, 1 June 2025
  • The very principle of financialization rules even the most mundane exchange of objects in the same manner that the most banal exchange of economic investment and speculation regulates the sign of spiritual autonomy and utopian aspirations that abstraction had initially promised.
    Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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