RULES Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

rules 1 of 2

noun

plural of rule

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

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

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

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rules

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rule

as in governs

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rules

Noun

Landlords and billing firms argue RUBS promotes conservation and recoups rising costs, even as studies, regulators and a recent legal settlement push for submetering and stronger transparency rules. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 But the court’s unsigned emergency ruling injects new uncertainty about voting rules in Georgia a little more than two months before the midterms. — Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The Big Ten and SEC on Tuesday passed rules prohibiting their schools from using football players who had signed a pro contract, made a pro roster or declared early for the draft and did not withdraw before the NCAA’s deadline. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The Visual Effects Society revealed a slew of news Wednesday, setting a date and venue for its 2027 VES Awards along with some new categories and rules. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 For years the company has rewritten its own rules, redesigned its products, and even bent to the demands of dictators to preserve market access. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Even if the appeals court rules in the plaintiffs’ favor, Realmuto expects the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 In seeking a new trial, Anthony’s attorneys have argued that the June proceedings were marred by strict courtroom rules and improper jury instructions. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 Federal rules generally require more credentials and inspections for boats carrying more than six passengers for hire. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Robinson, who is currently in state prison, will remain in custody at least until a judge rules on his custody status at a hearing, Wagstaffe said. — Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 And merchant readiness, so offers carry the stock, price and rules an agent can read and act on instantly. — Lital Marom, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Banana Ball rules 2026 Here are the 13 rules of Banana Ball, per its website. — Ahmed Jawadi, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Department of Revenue rules state that Wisconsin residents can claim this credit on only one primary residence. — Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2026 That era comes to an end now as NBA rules demand a governor has to own at least 15% of a team. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 No matter which way the judge rules, either side could appeal it, which would mean a further delay on knowing whether this goes forward or not. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 If approved, that would pause the election process while the court rules on the anti-data center ordinance’s validity. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026 If you were born with Cancer rising, Leo rules your second house of money, along with the ever-burning sun! — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules

Noun

In a blog post on Wednesday, Gates called for a new international organization to manage AI, drawing on elements from a nuclear inspections regime, international aviation regulations and ozone layer protection agreements.

— Reuters, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Instead, as is typical under state regulations, the inspector relied on safety and testing data provided by Six Flags that showed X2 had once again met safety standards adopted by the state.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of regulations

Noun

Waste plastic could provide another source of hydrocarbons for fuel production, particularly as governments and industry look for ways to deal with both plastic waste and aviation emissions.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Much of the remaining acreage consists of brownfield developments that were allowed to dilapidate into disrepair under the governments of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro.

— David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of governments

Noun

In December 2023, Mestiza released the debut album Quëreles via their independent label Sacro Music, which also reimagined flamenco traditions through a club lens.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
This is the heart of Franconia, where traditions—especially culinary ones, including pork dishes, potato dumplings, and sausages—remain deeply rooted.

— Sofia Markovich, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of traditions

Verb

While the Boise officials decide zoning and land use, the Ada County Highway District governs local streets, and the Idaho Transportation Department controls State Street itself, legally a portion of state Highway 44.

— Mark Dee August 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026
Both of those functions are what the law that governs derivatives, and its federal regulator, are meant to protect.

— Brian Quintenz, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of governs

Noun

The state agency oversees the facility’s air and water quality permits and compliance with environmental waste laws.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Johnson has repeatedly spoken out about how Missouri’s gun laws have hampered prosecuting the case, after two of the men charged in the shooting received plea agreements.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of laws

Noun

The Bush and Obama administrations were heavily criticized by Republicans for the bailout, spurring on the nascent Tea Party movement with complaints of government overreach into the free market.

— Norah Rami, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Those deals took place under multiple presidential administrations of both parties, and various FTC leaders.

— Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of administrations

Noun

Call it Comer 2035, a vision separate from the system’s broader Elevate 2035 plan that would articulate Comer’s pediatric-specific values and commitments.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Two common ones include beliefs about whether someone will listen and share information and whether someone shares your values.

— John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026