Synonyms for Rule

Top synonyms for “rule”: convention, decree, dominate, dominion, find, formula, govern, harness, and 11 more below.

Definitions

1. (noun)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
2. (noun)something regarded as a normative example
   “the convention of not naming the main character”
3. (noun)a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
   “it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast”
4. (noun)(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
   “he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs”
5. (noun)a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
   “the principle of the conservation of mass”
6. (noun)a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
   “their principles of composition characterized all their works”
7. (noun)any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
   “the rule of St. Dominic”
8. (noun)prescribed guide for conduct or action
9. (noun)directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
   “he knew the rules of chess”
10. (noun)(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
11. (noun)dominance or power through legal authority
    “France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa”
12. (noun)the duration of a monarch's or government's power
    “during the rule of Elizabeth”

Definitions sourced from Princeton WordNet (BSD license).