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
• standards
• guidelines
• regs
• bylaws
• principles
• ground rules
• constitutions
• restrictions
• ordinances
• statutes
• commandments
• morals
• prohibitions
• directives
• directions
• conventions
• dictates
• practices
• guides
• directories
• precepts
• decrees
• maxims
• edicts
• traditions
• axioms
• habits
• acts
• commands
• customs
• fundamentals
• manners
• orders
• formulas
• bans
• mores
• proscriptions
• fiats
• behests
• blueprints
• decalogues
• canons
• charges
• 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
• reigns
• regimens
• powers
• authorities
• dictatorships
• regulations
• tyrannies
• sovereignties
• leaderships
• oppressions
• dominations
• dominions
• managements
• directions
• supremacies
• commands
• sways
• autocracies
• hegemonies
• supervisions
• 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rules

Noun

Its rules about transfers and conference membership seem arbitrary and deferential to the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences, college football's most influential. — Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

The proposal arrived as California works through a broader overhaul of recycling rules. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Saada has threatened before to reduce the group’s investment during tense negotiations over windowing rules and Canal+ was granted an earlier access to movies after their theatrical run in exchange for its substantial investment obligations. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

He was recently placed in solitary confinement for violating various prison rules, including possessing contraband such as cell phones and alcohol. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 Oct. 2026

The Nobel rules limit the award to no more than three collaborators. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026

Even though Atlantans may be uninitiated to the rules of eating a New York bagel, many welcome the sudden addition of the northern cuisine. — Sheeka Sanahori, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026

GatorWise is a list of basic safety rules for cohabitating with the predators. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026

The push is the strongest effort yet to establish federal rules for college athletics and regulate athlete compensation after years of negotiations and tumult. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026

Verb

Spain also proposed new data center rules this summer, requiring data centers to source 80% of their electricity from renewables. — April Roach,jenny Lee, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026

The mayor is missing, the mafia is involved, a mad scientist rules the basement and all the prostitutes are vampires. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Stable streaming numbers have served as the backbone to the song’s consistency, as the track rules the Rap Streaming Songs ranking for a 17th week. — Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

Mandeb Strait are just the latest in a series of violations of the norms and rules governing oceans. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Neither claims the most dangerous thresholds have been crossed though neither rules it out. — Ashish K. Jha, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

Interview etiquette remains increasingly contentious, as recruiters disagree on which rules to keep. — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

Ward 1 Alderman Harry Huntley said the legislation builds on outdoor dining rules the city codified in 2024. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

The court decided that eligibility rules for a private association are best decided by the government, not the members of the association. — Sen. Rand Paul Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026