rule 1 of 2

Definition of rulenext

rule

2 of 2

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
At the time, the colonies were still under British rule, making the creation of a national flag a potentially dangerous act. Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Future work will extend this approach to increasingly complex layered materials, helping determine how broadly these molecular design rules can be applied across the rapidly growing family of organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductors. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Verb
Peter once ruled the small principality, and the saints’ relics rest there. Diana Dukhanova, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 His March 14 death at a Dallas hospital was ruled to be an accident. Ryan J. Foley, Twin Cities, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule
Noun
  • Many structures are built with substandard materials, and safety regulations are frequently ignored to reduce costs.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Fears have mounted that increasingly powerful AI models could be a boon for cybercriminals hunting for software vulnerabilities, but many administration allies are wary of government regulation of the industry.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The order aimed to create a voluntary mechanism for AI companies to give the government early access to their most advanced systems, allowing officials to vet the models for security risks before their public release.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 1 July 2026
  • Nathan Freed Wessler, deputy director of the ACLU's speech, privacy and technology project, said the First Amendment guarantees the right to criticize the government.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Each exchange led to a conversation about how their traditions and lives differed.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Andronis describes the restaurant as a traditional Greek taverna set against the caldera cliffs, blending Greek traditions with Santorini’s romance and exclusivity.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Just down the coast in Laguna Beach, a city that already had rules governing the size of canopies, officials took it a step further in May and limited the use of such shade structures to certain sections of beach.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • But the majority of Americans aren’t socialists and don’t wish to be governed by kissing cousins of Karl Marx and Kim Jong Un.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Russia meanwhile has claimed that its forces now control the important town of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • The plant also can be controlled by applying a nonselective herbicide, but that will not save digging.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Beginning Monday, the focus shifts to whether there is enough evidence for a trial and if the death penalty is warranted, said Paul Cassell, a University of Utah law professor and former federal judge.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The event was hosted by Freedom 250, the group working with the administration to put on anniversary events.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The administration has said in court filings that its information also discusses slavery.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • As temperatures rise, heat index values could approach the upper 90s.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
  • The goal is to help people think through values, preferences, lifestyle, and relationship goals before beginning conversations.
    Matthew Kayser Updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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