Synonyms for rule

Synonyms for (noun) rule

Synonyms: rule, ruler

Definition: measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths

Similar words: measure, measuring rod, measuring stick

Definition: measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals; used as a reference in making measurements


Synonyms: convention, formula, pattern, normal, rule

Definition: something regarded as a normative example

Usage: the convention of not naming the main character; violence is the rule not the exception; his formula for impressing visitors

Similar words: practice

Definition: knowledge of how something is usually done

Usage: it is not the local practice to wear shorts to dinner


Synonyms: rule, regulation

Definition: a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

Usage: it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast; short haircuts were the regulation

Similar words: concept, conception, construct

Definition: an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances


Synonyms: formula, rule

Definition: (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems

Usage: he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs; he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials

Similar words: procedure, process

Definition: a particular course of action intended to achieve a result

Usage: the procedure of obtaining a driver's license; it was a process of trial and error


Synonyms: principle, rule

Definition: a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system

Usage: the principle of the conservation of mass; the principle of jet propulsion; the right-hand rule for inductive fields

Similar words: law, law of nature

Definition: a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature

Usage: the laws of thermodynamics


Synonyms: principle, rule

Definition: a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

Usage: their principles of composition characterized all their works

Similar words: generalisation, generality, generalization

Definition: an idea or conclusion having general application

Usage: he spoke in broad generalities


Synonyms: rule

Definition: any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order

Usage: the rule of St. Dominic

Similar words: direction, instruction

Definition: a message describing how something is to be done

Usage: he gave directions faster than she could follow them


Synonyms: rule, prescript

Definition: prescribed guide for conduct or action

Similar words: direction, instruction

Definition: a message describing how something is to be done

Usage: he gave directions faster than she could follow them


Synonyms: rule

Definition: directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted

Usage: he knew the rules of chess

Similar words: direction, instruction

Definition: a message describing how something is to be done

Usage: he gave directions faster than she could follow them


Synonyms: linguistic rule, rule

Definition: (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice

Similar words: concept, conception, construct

Definition: an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances


Synonyms: dominion, rule

Definition: dominance or power through legal authority

Usage: France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa; the rule of Caesar

Similar words: dominance, control, ascendance, ascendancy, ascendence, ascendency

Definition: the state that exists when one person or group has power over another

Usage: her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her


Synonyms: rule

Definition: the duration of a monarch's or government's power

Usage: during the rule of Elizabeth

Similar words: continuance, duration

Definition: the period of time during which something continues


Synonyms for (verb) rule

Synonyms: rein, harness, rule

Definition: keep in check

Usage: rule one's temper

Similar words: restrain, restrict, confine, bound, limit, trammel, throttle

Definition: place limits on (extent or access)

Usage: restrict the use of this parking lot; limit the time you can spend with your friends


Synonyms: decree, rule

Definition: decide with authority

Usage: The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed

Similar words: make up one's mind, determine, decide

Definition: reach, make, or come to a decision about something

Usage: We finally decided after lengthy deliberations


Synonyms: find, rule

Definition: decide on and make a declaration about

Usage: find someone guilty

Similar words: pronounce, label, judge

Definition: pronounce judgment on

Usage: They labeled him unfit to work here


Synonyms: rule

Definition: mark or draw with a ruler

Usage: rule the margins

Similar words: draw

Definition: represent by making a drawing of, as with a pencil, chalk, etc. on a surface

Usage: She drew an elephant; Draw me a horse


Synonyms: govern, rule

Definition: exercise authority over; as of nations

Usage: Who is governing the country now?

Similar words: command, control

Definition: exercise authoritative control or power over

Usage: control the budget; Command the military forces


Synonyms: rule

Definition: have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac

Similar words: come with, accompany, attach to, go with

Definition: be present or associated with an event or entity

Usage: French fries come with the hamburger; heart attacks are accompanied by distruction of heart tissue; fish usually goes with white wine; this kind of vein accompanies certain arteries


Visual thesaurus for rule