Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

rule

[rool] / rul /
NOUN
standard, principle of behavior
Synonyms
STRONGEST
decree guideline law order precedent regulation ruling statute test
STRONG
aphorism apothegm assize axiom basis canon command commandment criterion decorum dictum direction edict etiquette formula fundamental gnome guide keynote keystone maxim model moral ordinance precept prescription propriety regimen tenet truism
WEAK
brocard chapter and verse decretion no-no's the book the numbers
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disorganization lawlessness
STRONG
bad manners
NOUN
leadership of organization
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administration authority control domination government power regime reign sovereignty
STRONG
ascendancy command direction dominion empire influence jurisdiction supremacy sway
WEAK
regnancy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
submission surrender weakness yielding
STRONG
inferiority subordination
NOUN
method, way
Synonyms
STRONGEST
custom policy practice procedure
STRONG
course formula habit normalcy normality routine
WEAK
order of things
VERB
govern, manage
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conduct control dominate lead order overrule prevail run take over
STRONG
administer bridle command curb decree dictate direct domineer guide predominate preponderate preside regulate reign restrain sway
WEAK
be in authority be in driver's seat be in power crack the whip hold sway hold the reins keep under one's thumb lay down the law rule the roost run the show sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
follow lose obey surrender
STRONG
misguide mislead mismanage neglect release serve submit
WEAK
plead
VERB
judge, decide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conclude determine establish find hold resolve
STRONG
adjudge adjudicate decree deduce figure fix gather infer postulate prescribe pronounce settle theorize
WEAK
lay down pass upon
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin miss start unsettle waver
STRONG
ignore misunderstand
WEAK
plead serve submit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A “manual override mode” for passing is criticized, but F1 and the FIA plan meetings to discuss rule tweaks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

It is also the first race since the rule changes to the complicated engine-management regulations.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

They fear French workers will soon all be required to work on the holiday as exceptions gradually become the rule.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

“We’re focusing on affordability, and that’s top of mind to people. We’re focusing on the rule of law and democracy, that’s top of mind to people.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

As a rule, brave explorers do not have worried governesses mouthing objections to their adventures in Parts Unknown.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing rule

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Speaking and Listening - Introductory

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!