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
1
as in governs
to exercise authority or power over
a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rules
Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Georgetown law professor Steve Vladeck, a witness called by Democrats, said the nondisclosure process followed then-existing DOJ guidelines and that Congress only revised notification rules after a 2024 inspector general report.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
That’s key given the agreement would be legally binding and set rules, fees, timelines and more for both parties.
—Sofi Zeman
january 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
Precisely what that level of investment can and will be is in flux as the College Sports Commission tries to enforce the rules on name, image and likeness money.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Smith maintained many of the gifts cited by Cannon fell under exceptions to the disclosure rules, including those governing charity event tickets and gifts for birthdays or holidays.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
The District strictly enforces all applicable policies, rules, and laws, including those related to preventing abuse, harassment, and misconduct.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Trump has insisted that Rodríguez must play by the United States’ rules.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
However, the Carolina Panthers won that title despite losing to the Bucs in Week 18 due to NFL tiebreaker rules.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 8 Jan. 2026
If the Supreme Court rules that Trump’s new tariffs are unlawful under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the court could then say that companies that have paid the duties so far are entitled to refunds.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
For many of these families, the lack of stable housing means kids study on beds, live without kitchens, and often move from place to place as rates rise or rules change.
—Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Dern, an executive producer on the series, who also plays feminist activist Linda Shaw, had one person in mind for the role of Norma Dellacorte, the flask-toting matriarch who rules the area’s social scene.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 7 Jan. 2026
That resting face rules the Indiana Hoosiers’ sideline and lives rent-free on social media.
—Candace Buckner, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Until Verizon amends its complaint and the judge rules on the emergency request, there is no court directive preventing the association from moving forward with the rooftop work that Verizon says would interrupt wireless service in the area.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
In Louisiana, House and Senate rules mandate proponents and opponents of bills have the opportunity to speak on a piece of legislation.
—Gwen Dilworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026
If, however, the Court rules against Trump—as it is widely expected to do—congressional Democrats should not consider the matter of Fed independence resolved.
—Aaron Klein, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
So there's really no choice but for the four major conference commissioners to compile a set of rules and guidelines that make at least a marginal bit of sense.
—Verb
The sector may face another twist if the US Supreme Court rules Trump’s tariffs were issued illegally, a decision that could come as soon as Friday.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules
Noun
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The Department of Justice is empowered under the federal securities laws to protect the integrity of the American capital markets by enforcing the securities laws and regulations.—
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In September, Nevada’s Bureau of Water Pollution Control fined the company nearly $250,000 for violating environmental regulations nearly 800 times in the last two years, including for spilling untreated groundwater onto public roads and not reporting it to authorities, ProPublica first reported.—
Noun
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Western governments have imposed sanctions on her in the past for her part in sustaining Maduro’s administration.—
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The evidence is overwhelming and very difficult for high-polluting foreign governments to credibly challenge.—
Noun
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Some traditions, like this one, never change.—
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The Totem Heritage Center was built to house these totem poles, which still belong to the villages’ descendants, and preserve and perpetuate the traditions behind them, with continuing guidance from a Native advisory board.—
Verb
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In September 2025, however, the lender filed a new notice of default that governs the current foreclosure efforts.—
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No federal regulatory body governs the health information provided to AI chatbots, and ChatGPT provides technology services that are not within the scope of HIPAA.—
Verb
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The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
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The situation is not all that different from that along the Mississippi, Missouri or Tennessee rivers, where a series of dams controls water flow.—
Noun
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The cemetery of good but dead laws is infinite; the main thing is that social forces exist.—
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On the one hand, consumer protection laws are a hallmark of the region.—
Noun
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Trepel, who participated in the prosecution of officers involved in Floyd’s death, told AP Thursday that the current DOJ lacks the independence of previous administrations.—
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While previous administrations have flirted with pay caps—most notably former President Barack Obama’s proposal to limit contractor pay to $400,000—none have attempted to use their podium to unilaterally dictate the internal dividend and buyback policies of private companies.—
Verb
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Even with my winter boots and sturdy soles, caution dictates a short stride, a shuffling gait end eyes riveted to the slippery ground.—
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Officers euthanized two mountain lions in the area, as CPW policy dictates that wildlife that attacks humans must be euthanized.—
Cite this Entry
“Rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rules. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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