rule Synonyms
Another word for rule
• noun (Context 1)
An official regulation, law, or principle governing conduct, procedure, or action within a specific organization, game, or domain.
"Every participant must read and follow the safety rules before entering the laboratory."
• verb (Context 2)
To exercise ultimate power, authority, or sovereignty over an area and its people.
"Queen Victoria ruled the British Empire for more than sixty-three years."
• verb (Context 3)
To pronounce an authoritative legal or official decision on a matter.
"The Supreme Court ruled that the new legislation was constitutional."
• noun (Context 4)
The exercise of supreme authority, control, or sovereignty over a country, state, or group of people.
"The region experienced decades of peaceful economic growth under democratic governance."
• noun (Context 5)
A normal, customary, or prevailing state of affairs that happens in the majority of cases.
"In this arid climate, mild winters are the norm rather than the exception."
• verb (Context 6)
To mark paper or another flat surface with straight parallel lines using a ruler or straightedge.
"She carefully ruled the blank pages of her ledger before recording the monthly accounts."
• noun (Context 7)
A straight strip of wood, metal, or plastic marked with regular intervals and used by carpenters or drafters for measuring or drawing straight lines.
"The carpenter unfolded his wooden ruler to measure the width of the window frame."
• verb (Context 8)
To be exceptionally good, preeminent, or superior (used in informal and slang contexts).
"Our high school robotics team rules when it comes to regional engineering competitions."
Opposites of rule
The opposite of rule shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: