rules 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rulesnext
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

Relevance
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
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

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
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules
  1. traditions
  2. governs
  3. administrations
  4. regulates
  5. regimes
  6. contains
  7. jurisdictions
  8. keeps
Noun
  • Recognized for its flavorful conchas, multigrain breads and seasonal pastries, Gusto Bread in Long Beach was touted as a neighborhood panaderia inspired by Mexican and Indigenous traditions.
    Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 4 Jan. 2025
  • At the moment this quote was given, Dylan himself was breaking from the folk traditions that birthed his entry into the popular culture and redefining himself as an electric musician.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of traditions
Verb
  • The 1974 budget act that currently governs the process has never worked, and Congress has never actually passed an entire budget on time according to its rules.
    The Editors, National Review, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The law governs the process between Election Day and Inauguration Day.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Definition of governs
Noun
  • There's also work underway to finalize a GLOBE information exchange framework so that tax administrations can share this information.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Previous administrations have stood up specialized councils via executive orders, executives noted.
    Hannah Lang, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of administrations
Verb
  • Like other Gazans, many Christians in the enclave say their lives have long been overshadowed by a cycle of wars with Israel and an Israeli-Egyptian blockade that tightly regulates travel and commerce.
    Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The Federal Aviation Administration regulates drones and light shows and permitted the Holiday Drone Show at Lake Eola on Saturday.
    Natalia Jaramillo, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2024
Definition of regulates
Noun
  • As the government explains, and the district court recognizes, a last-minute nationwide preliminary injunction would undermine our ability to push other countries to reform their anti-money laundering and counterterrorism regimes and to address the most fundamental gap in our own regime.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024
  • That closeness is a testament to the skills of case officers, especially considering that spies regularly engage and build rapport with individuals who pose threats to American safety—criminals, terrorists, diplomats from the world’s most odious regimes.
    Jeremy Hurewitz, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
Definition of regimes
Verb
  • But the problem, experts say, is that sewage today contains a host of chemicals, including PFAS, generated by businesses, factories and homes.
    Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Products, like Latisse—which contains an ingredient called Prostaglandin—were specially formulated to help lashes grow long.
    Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024
Definition of contains
Noun
  • Map of the Gulf of Mexico and its maritime jurisdictions.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The regulatory environment has matured significantly, with major jurisdictions introducing comprehensive frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection.
    Roomy Khan, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of jurisdictions
Verb
  • However, what keeps the Bayonetta games in that rarified strata of brilliance are their intricate and involved combat systems.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Testing code without breaking the bank keeps everyone happy and protects your leadership team’s bottom line.
    Steve Rodda, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Definition of keeps
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near rules

rulerships

rules

rules (on)

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rules. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on rules

Nglish: Translation of rules for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rules for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Top 12 Sophisticated Compliments

Word of the Year 2024 | Polarization

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
white rubber duck stands out in a row of yellow ducks
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.