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Showing results for rule. Search instead for ruli.
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.

Under the current law, travel approvals must generally be granted and it remains unclear how the rule would be enforced if breached.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

No Kings is supposed to be a broad coalition of Americans — left, right and independent — united by a belief in real democracy, the Constitution and the rule of law.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Dealers loved the Chrysler 300, which had a good amount of Mercedes hardware under the skin, but the brand struggled to adapt to a world where SUVs began to rule American roads.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, the world's oldest leader, is set to get a vice-president for the first time in his four-decade rule following controversial constitutional changes backed by parliament.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

I glance at Jade because I just made another rule.

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.