Synonyms of rules

rules 1 of 2

noun

plural of rule

1

as in regulations

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

• regulations
• laws
• codes
• instructions
• values
• guidelines
• standards
• regs
• bylaws
• principles
• ground rules
• constitutions
• restrictions
• ordinances
• statutes
• commandments
• morals
• prohibitions
• directives
• directions
• conventions
• dictates
• guides
• practices
• directories
• precepts
• decrees
• maxims
• edicts
• traditions
• axioms
• habits
• commands
• acts
• customs
• fundamentals
• manners
• orders
• formulae
• formulas
• bans
• mores
• proscriptions
• fiats
• behests
• blueprints
• canons
• decalogues
• charges
• practises
• interdictions
• ways

2

as in governments

lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)

the years during which Russia was under Communist rule

Synonyms & Similar Words

• governments
• administrations
• governances
• regimes
• jurisdictions
• regimens
• reigns
• powers
• régimes
• authorities
• dictatorships
• regulations
• sovereignties
• tyrannies
• leaderships
• oppressions
• dominations
• dominions
• supremacies
• managements
• directions
• sways
• commands
• supervisions
• autocracies
• sovranties
• hegemonies
• subjugations
• superintendences
• masteries

3

as in traditions

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

• traditions
• principles
• values
• standards
• customs
• conventions
• ethics
• norms
• prescriptions
• rubrics
• superstitions
• modes
• mores
• heritages
• legacies
• forms
• cultures
• inheritances
• lifestyles
• birthrights
• lores
• folklores

rules

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rule

1

as in governs

to exercise authority or power over

a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• governs
• controls
• dictates
• commands
• dominates
• bosses
• captains
• manages
• presides (over)
• sways
• leads
• oversees
• domineers
• administers
• regulates
• masters
• supervises
• conducts
• directs
• heads
• reigns (over)
• micromanages
• oppresses
• lords (it over)
• conquers
• tyrannizes
• superintends
• subjugates
• subdues

2

as in controls

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

• controls
• curbs
• regulates
• contains
• keeps
• measures
• restrains
• governs
• constrains
• checks
• stifles
• tames
• suppresses
• inhibits
• reins (in)
• holds
• stops
• bridles
• pulls in
• blocks
• interrupts
• chokes (back)
• swallows
• arrests
• strangles
• holds back
• silences
• pockets
• represses
• hinders
• bottles (up)
• muffles
• impedes
• minces
• obstructs
• smothers
• hampers
• squelches
• sinks
• handcuffs
• muzzles
• gags

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loses
• loosens
• liberates
• expresses
• takes out
• unleashes
• looses
• airs
• vents