Synonyms for rule

Noun

1. rule, regulation, concept, conception, construct

usage: a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"; "short haircuts were the regulation"

2. convention, normal, pattern, rule, formula, practice

usage: something regarded as a normative example; "the convention of not naming the main character"; "violence is the rule not the exception"; "his formula for impressing visitors"

3. rule, prescript, direction, instruction

usage: prescribed guide for conduct or action

4. rule, linguistic rule, concept, conception, construct

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

5. principle, rule, generalization, generalisation, generality

usage: 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"

6. principle, rule, law, law of nature

usage: a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system; "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields"

7. rule, duration, continuance

usage: the duration of a monarch's or government's power; "during the rule of Elizabeth"

8. dominion, rule, dominance, ascendance, ascendence, ascendancy, ascendency, control

usage: dominance or power through legal authority; "France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa"; "the rule of Caesar"

9. rule, direction, instruction

usage: directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted; "he knew the rules of chess"

10. rule, direction, instruction

usage: any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order; "the rule of St. Dominic"

11. rule, formula, procedure, process

usage: (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems; "he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs"; "he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials"

12. rule, ruler, measuring stick, measure, measuring rod

usage: 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

Verb

1. govern, rule, control, command

usage: exercise authority over; as of nations; "Who is governing the country now?"

2. rule, decree, decide, make up one's mind, determine, rule out

usage: decide with authority; "The King decreed that all first-born males should be killed"

3. predominate, dominate, rule, reign, prevail

usage: be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance; "Money reigns supreme here"; "Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood"

4. rule, find, pronounce, label, judge

usage: decide on and make a declaration about; "find someone guilty"

5. rule, attach to, accompany, come with, go with

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

6. rule, draw

usage: mark or draw with a ruler; "rule the margins"

7. rule, harness, rein, restrict, restrain, trammel, limit, bound, confine, throttle

usage: keep in check; "rule one's temper"