Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense rules, present participle ruling, past tense, past participle ruled
1. countable noun
Rules are instructions that tell you what you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do.
...a thirty-two-page pamphlet explaining the rules of basketball. [+ of]
Sikhs were expected to adhere strictly to the religious rules concerning appearance.
Strictly speaking, this was against the rules.
...the amendment to Rule 22.
2. countable noun
A rule is a statement telling people what they should do in order to achieve success or a benefit of some kind.
An important rule is to drink plenty of water during any flight.
By and large, the rules for healthy eating are the same during pregnancy as at anyother time.
[Also + for/of]
Synonyms: precept, principle, criterion, canon More Synonyms of rule
3. countable noun
The rulesof something such as a language or a science are statements that describe the way that things usually happen in a particular situation.
It is a rule of English that adjectives generally precede the noun they modify.
...according to the rules of quantum theory. [+ of]
Synonyms: procedure, policy, standard, method More Synonyms of rule
4. singular noun
If something is the rule, it is the normal state of affairs.
However, for many Americans today, weekend work has unfortunately become the rulerather than the exception.
5. verb
The person or group that rules a country controls its affairs.
Mongan ruled Ulster until his death in AD 625. [VERB noun]
He ruled for eight months. [VERB]
...the long line of feudal lords who had ruled over this land. [VERB + over]
Synonyms: reign, govern, be in power, hold sway More Synonyms of rule
Rule is also a noun.
...demands for an end to one-party rule.
6. verb
If something rules your life, it influences or restricts your actions in a way that is not good for you.
Scientists have always been aware of how fear can rule our lives and make us ill. [VERB noun]
7. verb
When someone in authority rules that something is true or should happen, they state that they have officially decided that it is true or should happen.
[formal]
The court ruled that laws passed by the assembly remained valid. [VERB that]
The court has not yet ruled on the case. [VERB + on]
A provincial magistrates' court last week ruled it unconstitutional. [V n adj/n]
The committee ruled against all-night opening mainly on safety grounds. [VERB + against]
[Also V + in favour of]
Synonyms: decree, find, decide, judge More Synonyms of rule
8. verb
If you rule a straight line, you draw it using something that has a straight edge.
...a ruled grid of horizontal and vertical lines. [VERB-ed]
[Also VERB noun]
9. See also golden rule, ground rule, ruling, slide rule
10.
See as a rule
11.
See bend the rules/stretch the rules
12.
See rule of thumb
13.
See work to rule
Phrasal verbs:
See rule in
See rule out
See rule out of
More Synonyms of rule
rule in British English
(ruːl)
noun
1.
an authoritative regulation or direction concerning method or procedure, as for a court of law, legislative body, game, or other human institution or activity
judges' rules
play according to the rules
2.
the exercise of governmental authority or control
the rule of Caesar
3.
the period of time in which a monarch or government has power
his rule lasted 100 days
4.
a customary form or procedure; regular course of action
she made a morning swim her rule
5. the rule
6.
a prescribed method or procedure for solving a mathematical problem, or one constituting part of a computer program, usually expressed in an appropriate formalism
7.
a formal expression of a grammatical regularity in a linguistic description of a language
8.
any of various devices with a straight edge for guiding or measuring; ruler
a carpenter's rule
9.
a.
a printed or drawn character in the form of a long thin line
b. another name for dash1 (sense 13)
en rule
em rule
c.
a strip of brass or other metal used to print such a line
10. Christianity
a systematic body of prescriptions defining the way of life to be followed by members of a religious order
11. law
an order by a court or judge
12. as a rule
verb
13.
to exercise governing or controlling authority over (a people, political unit, individual, etc)
the family ruled for 20 years
his passion for her ruled his life
14. (when tr, often takes a clause as object)
to decide authoritatively; decree
the chief executive ruled against the proposal
15. (transitive)
to mark with straight parallel lines or make one straight line, as with a ruler
to rule a margin
16. (transitive)
to restrain or control
to rule one's temper
17. (intransitive)
to be customary or prevalent
chaos rules in this school
18. (intransitive)
to be pre-eminent or superior
football rules in the field of sport
19. (transitive) astrology
(of a planet) to have a strong affinity with certain human attributes, activities, etc, associated with (one or sometimes two signs of the zodiac)
Mars rules Aries
20. rule the roost
Derived forms
rulable (ˈrulable)
adjective
Word origin
C13: from Old French riule, from Latin rēgula a straight edge; see regulate
rule in American English
(rul)
noun
1.
a.
an authoritative regulation for action, conduct, method, procedure, arrangement, etc.
the rules of the school
b.
an established practice that serves as a guide to usage
the rules of grammar
2.
a complete set or code of regulations in a religious order
the Benedictine rule
3.
a fixed principle that determines conduct; habit; custom
to make it a rule never to hurry
4.
something that usually or normally happens or obtains; customary course of events
famine is the rule following war
5.
a.
government; reign; control
b.
the period of reigning of a particular ruler or government
6.
a ruler or straightedge
7. Obsolete
way of acting; behavior
8. Law
a.
a regulation or guide established by a court governing court practice and procedure
b.
a declaration, order, etc. made by a judge or court in deciding a specific question or point of law
c.
a legal principle or maxim
9. Ancient Mathematics
a method or procedure prescribed for computing or solving a problem
10. Printing
a.
a thin strip of metal, the height of type, used to print straight or decorative lines, borders, etc.
b.
a line so printed
verb transitiveWord forms: ruled or ˈruling
11.
to have an influence over; guide
to be ruled by one's friends
12.
to lessen; restrain
reason ruled his fear
13.
to have authority over; govern; direct
to rule a country
14.
to be the most important element of; dominate
action rules the plot
15.
to settle by decree; determine
the court ruled the validity of the point
16.
a.
to mark lines on with or as with a ruler
b.
to mark (a line) thus
verb intransitive
17.
to have supreme authority; govern
18.
to be at a specified rate or level; prevail
said of prices, commodities, etc.
19.
to issue a formal decree about a question
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈgovern, law
Idioms:
as a rule
rule out
Word origin
ME reule < OFr rieule < L regula, ruler, straightedge < regere, to lead straight, rule: see right
More idioms containing
rule
something is the exception that proves the rule
rule something out of court
rule the roost
a rule of thumb
Examples of 'rule' in a sentence
rule
There isn't an ME on the planet who isn't going to rule on Clayton's death the same way I did.
J.A. Jance DEVIL'S CLAW (2004)
Quotations
He shall rule them with a rod of ironBible: Revelation
My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I pleaseFrederick the Great
The hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the worldWilliam Ross WallaceJohn O'London's Treasure Trove
Rules and models destroy genius and artWilliam HazlittSketches and Essays
In other languages
rule
British English: rule /ruːl/ NOUN
Rules are instructions that tell you what you must do or must not do.
Can you explain the rules of cricket to me?
American English: rule
Arabic: حُكْم
Brazilian Portuguese: regra
Chinese: 规则
Croatian: pravilo
Czech: pravidlo
Danish: regel
Dutch: regel
European Spanish: regla norma
Finnish: sääntö
French: règle réglement
German: Regel Gesetz
Greek: κανόνας
Italian: regole
Japanese: 規則
Korean: 규칙
Norwegian: regel
Polish: reguła
European Portuguese: regra
Romanian: regulă
Russian: правило
Latin American Spanish: regla norma
Swedish: regel
Thai: หลักเกณฑ์
Turkish: kural
Ukrainian: правило
Vietnamese: quy tắc
British English: rule /ruːl/ VERB
Someone who rules a country controls it.
He ruled the country until his death.
He ruled for eight months.
American English: rule
Arabic: يَتَحَكَّمُ
Brazilian Portuguese: governar
Chinese: 统治
Croatian: vladati
Czech: vládnout
Danish: styre
Dutch: heersen
European Spanish: gobernar
Finnish: hallita
French: gouverner
German: regieren
Greek: κυβερνώ
Italian: governare
Japanese: 支配する
Korean: 통치하다
Norwegian: regjere
Polish: rządzić
European Portuguese: governar
Romanian: a conduce
Russian: управлять
Latin American Spanish: gobernar
Swedish: styra
Thai: ปกครอง
Turkish: yönetmek
Ukrainian: правити
Vietnamese: lãnh đạo
All related terms of 'rule'
rule in
If you say that you are not ruling in a particular course of action, you mean that you have not definitely decided to take that action.
foot rule
a rigid measure, one foot in length
gag rule
any closure regulation adopted by a deliberative body
home rule
If a country or region has home rule , it has its own independent government and laws.
mob rule
the fact or state of large groups of people acting without the consent of the government, authorities , etc
rule book
A rule book is a book containing the official rules for a particular game, job, or organization.
rule out
If you rule out a course of action, an idea , or a solution , you decide that it is impossible or unsuitable .
self-rule
Self-rule is the same as → self-government .
the rule
the common order of things; normal condition
unit rule
a rule of procedure at a national political convention under which a state's entire vote must be cast for the candidate preferred by a majority of the state's delegates
work-rule
a form of industrial action in which employees adhere strictly to all the working rules laid down by their employers , with the deliberate intention of reducing the rate of working
as a rule
If you say that something happens as a rule , you mean that it usually happens.
board rule
a measuring device for estimating the number of board feet in a quantity of wood
chain rule
a theorem that may be used in the differentiation of the function of a function. It states that d u /d x = (d u /d y )(d y /d x ), where y is a function of x and u a function of y
direct rule
Direct rule is a system in which a central government rules an area which has had its own parliament or law-making organization in the past .
global rule
(in transformational grammar ) a rule that makes reference to nonconsecutive stages of a derivation
golden rule
A golden rule is a principle you should remember because it will help you to be successful .
ground rule
The ground rules for something are the basic principles on which future action will be based .
house rule
a rule adopted and adhered to by a family living together in a house
phase rule
the principle that in any system in equilibrium the number of degrees of freedom is equal to the number of components less the number of phases plus two
plumb rule
a plumb line attached to a narrow board , used by builders , surveyors , etc
rule joint
a joint between two hinged pieces, as between the center and end leaves of a table , consisting of a quarter round and fillet fitting against a cove and fillet
slide rule
A slide rule is an instrument that you use for calculating numbers. It looks like a ruler and has a middle part that slides backwards and forwards .
caliper rule
a graduated rule with one sliding jaw and one that is stationary
calliper rule
a measuring instrument having two parallel jaws , one fixed at right angles to the end of a calibrated scale and the other sliding along it
cloture rule
a rule adopted by the United States Senate in 1917 that enables the breaking of a filibuster
majority rule
the principle that decisions supported by more than half the people in a group have effect upon all the people in that group
martial rule
the rule of law established and maintained by the military in the absence of civil law
rewrite rule
a rule of the form A → X where A is a syntactic category label , such as noun phrase or sentence , and X is a sequence of such labels and/or morphemes , expressing the fact that A can be replaced by X in generating the constituent structure of a sentence
setting rule
a metal strip used in the hand-setting of type in a composing stick to separate the line being set from the previous one
Leibnitz's rule
a rule for finding the derivative of the product of two functions . For a first derivative it is d (uv)/d x = u d v /d x + v d u /d x
Leibniz's rule
a rule for finding the derivative of the product of two functions . For a first derivative it is d (uv)/d x = u d v /d x + v d u /d x
Naismith's rule
a rule of thumb for calculating the time needed for a climbing expedition , allowing 1 hour for every 3 miles of distance plus 1 hour for every 2000 feet of height
rewriting rule
a rule of the form A → X where A is a syntactic category label , such as noun phrase or sentence , and X is a sequence of such labels and/or morphemes , expressing the fact that A can be replaced by X in generating the constituent structure of a sentence
rule of law
The rule of law refers to a situation in which the people in a society obey its laws and enable it to function properly.
rule out of
If someone rules you out of a contest or activity , they say that you cannot be involved in it. If something rules you out of a contest or activity, it prevents you from being involved in it.
trapezoid rule
a rule for estimating the area of an irregular figure, by dividing it into parallel strips of equal width , each strip being a trapezium . It can also be adapted to obtaining an approximate value of a definite integral
work-to-rule
If workers work to rule , they protest by working according to the rules of their job without doing any extra work or taking any new decisions .
cab rank rule
the rule that obliges barristers to take on any client in strict rotation
exclusionary rule
a legal rule that evidence obtained illegally, as from a search without a warrant , may not be introduced at trial
L'Hospital's rule
the theorem that for the quotient of two functions satisfying certain conditions on a given closed interval , each having infinite limit or zero as limit at a given point, the limit of the quotient at the given point is equal to the limit of the quotient of the derivatives of each function
parallelogram rule
a rule for finding the resultant of two vectors by constructing a parallelogram with two adjacent sides representing the magnitudes and directions of the vectors, the diagonal through the point of intersection of the vectors representing their resultant
rule of three
a mathematical rule asserting that the value of one unknown quantity in a proportion is found by multiplying the denominator of each ratio by the numerator of the other
rule of thumb
A rule of thumb is a rule or principle that you follow which is not based on exact calculations , but rather on experience.
rule the roost
If you say that someone rules the roost in a particular place, you mean that they have control and authority over the people there.
ten-yard rule
the rule allowing a referee , when a player disputes the award of a penalty or free kick , to penalize the offending side further by moving the place from which the kick is to be taken ten yards further forward
em dash
a dash (—) one em long
en dash
a dash (–) one en long
a rule of thumb
a general rule about something which you can be confident will be right in most cases
divide and rule
You use divide and rule to refer to a policy which is intended to keep someone in a position of power by causing disagreements between people who might otherwise unite against them.
a statement of what is allowed, for example in a game or procedure
the rule against retrospective prosecution
Synonyms
regulation
new safety regulations
order
Mr North had been arrested on the orders of the Spanish government.
law
the laws of the Church of England
ruling
guide
direction
guideline
decree
He issued a decree ordering all unofficial armed groups to disband.
ordinance
ordinances that restrict building development
dictum
his dictum that the priority of the government must be the health of the people
2 (noun)
An important rule is to drink plenty of water.
Synonyms
precept
the precept, `If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well'
principle
a violation of the basic principles of Marxism
criterion
Exam results shouldn't be the only criterion for your choice of school.
canon
These measures offended all the accepted canons of political economy.
maxim
I believe in the maxim `if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.
tenet
Non-violence is the central tenet of their faith.
axiom
the long-held axiom that education leads to higher income
3 (noun)
Definition
a customary form or procedure
according to the rules of quantum theory
Synonyms
procedure
He did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa.
policy
plans which include changes in foreign policy
standard
My father has always had high moral standards.
method
new teaching methods
way
Freezing is a great way to preserve most foods.
course
Resignation is the only course left open to him.
formula
The new peace formula means hostilities have ended.
4 (noun)
The usual rule is to start as one group.
Synonyms
custom
The custom of lighting the Olympic flame goes back centuries.
procedure
practice
a public inquiry into bank practices
routine
The players had to change their daily routine.
form
a frequent broadcaster on correct form and dress
condition
They had agreed to a summit subject to certain conditions.
tradition
She has carried on the family tradition of giving away plants.
habit
It had become a habit with her to annoy him.
convention
a social convention
wont
Keith woke early, as was his wont.
order or way of things
5 (noun)
Definition
the period of time in which a monarch or government has power
the winding-up of British rule over the territory
Synonyms
government
power
women who have reached positions of great power and influence
control
The first aim of his government would be to establish control over the republic's territory.
authority
The judge has no authority to order a second trial.
influence
As we grew older, I had less influence and couldn't control him.
administration
He served in posts in both the Ford and Carter administrations.
direction
The house was built under the direction of his partner.
leadership
What most people want to see is determined, decisive action and firm leadership.
command
the struggle for command of the air
regime
the collapse of the fascist regime
empire
the erroneous belief that man possesses empire over all the creatures in the world
reign
Queen Victoria's reign
sway
How can mothers keep daughters under their sway?
domination
They had five centuries of domination by the Romans.
jurisdiction
The British police have no jurisdiction over foreign bank accounts.
supremacy
The president asserted his supremacy over the prime minister.
mastery
a region where humans have gained mastery over the major rivers
dominion
They believe they have dominion over us.
ascendancy
The extremists are gaining ascendancy.
mana (New Zealand)
a leader of great mana and influence
1 (verb)
Definition
to govern (people or a political unit)
the feudal lord who ruled this land
Synonyms
govern
They go to the polls on Friday to choose the people they want to govern their country.
lead
He led the country between 1949 and 1984.
control
He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.
You should not let other people control you.
manage
Within two years, he was managing the store.
direct
She will direct day-to-day operations.
guide
He should have let his instinct guide him.
regulate
a powerful body to regulate the stock market
administer
Next summer's exams will be straightforward to administer.
oversee
Get a surveyor to oversee and inspect the various stages of the work.
preside over
have power over
reign over
command over
have charge of
2 (verb)
She ruled for eight years.
Synonyms
reign
Henry II, who reigned from 1154 to 1189
govern
Marine insurance is governed by a strict series of rules and regulations.
be in power
hold sway
Here, a completely different approach seems to hold sway.
wear the crown
be in authority
be number one (informal)
3 (verb)
Definition
to restrain or control
Fear can rule our lives.
Synonyms
control
dominate
No company should be permitted to dominate the market.
monopolize
They are virtually monopolizing the market.
tyrannize
be pre-eminent
have the upper hand over
4 (verb)
Definition
to decide authoritatively
The court ruled that laws passed by the assembly remained valid.
Synonyms
decree
He got the two men off the hook by decreeing a general amnesty.
find
He has been found guilty on all five charges.
decide
This is a question that should be decided by government.
judge
Players have been judged guilty of match-fixing.
establish
determine
What determines whether you are a success or a failure?
settle
Right, that's settled then.
resolve
She resolved to report the matter.
pronounce
A specialist has pronounced him fully fit.
They took time to pronounce their verdict.
lay down
adjudge
He was adjudged to be guilty.
5 (verb)
Definition
to be customary or prevalent
A ferocious form of anarchy ruled here.
Synonyms
be prevalent
prevail
A similar situation prevails in America.
predominate
a society where Islamic principles predominate
hold sway
be customary
preponderate
obtain (formal)
The longer this situation obtains, the bigger the problems will be.
idiom
See as a rule
Phrasal verbs
See rule someone out
See rule something out
Quotations
He shall rule them with a rod of iron [Bible: Revelation]My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please [Frederick the Great]The hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world [William Ross Wallace – John O'London's Treasure Trove]Rules and models destroy genius and art [William Hazlitt – Sketches and Essays]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adjudge
Definition
to declare someone to be something specified
He was adjudged to be guilty.
Synonyms
judge,
determine,
declare,
decide,
assign,
pronounce,
decree,
apportion,
adjudicate
in the sense of administer
Definition
to manage (an organization or estate)
Next summer's exams will be straightforward to administer.
Synonyms
manage,
run,
control,
rule,
direct,
handle,
conduct,
command,
govern,
oversee,
supervise,
preside over,
be in charge of,
superintend
in the sense of administration
Definition
a government
He served in posts in both the Ford and Carter administrations.
Synonyms
government,
authority,
executive,
leadership,
ministry,
regime,
governing body
Synonyms of 'rule'
rule
Explore 'rule' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of ascendancy
Definition
the condition of being dominant
The extremists are gaining ascendancy.
Synonyms
influence,
power,
control,
rule,
authority,
command,
reign,
sovereignty,
sway,
dominance,
domination,
superiority,
supremacy,
mastery,
dominion,
upper hand,
hegemony,
prevalence,
pre-eminence,
predominance,
rangatiratanga (New Zealand)
in the sense of authority
Definition
the power to command, control, or judge others
The judge has no authority to order a second trial.
Synonyms
prerogative,
right,
influence,
might,
force,
power,
control,
charge,
rule,
government,
weight,
strength,
direction,
command,
licence,
privilege,
warrant,
say-so,
sway,
domination,
jurisdiction,
supremacy,
dominion,
ascendancy,
mana (New Zealand)
in the sense of axiom
Definition
a generally accepted principle
the long-held axiom that education leads to higher income
Synonyms
principle,
fundamental,
maxim,
gnome,
adage,
postulate,
dictum,
precept,
aphorism,
truism,
apophthegm
in the sense of canon
Definition
a general rule or standard
These measures offended all the accepted canons of political economy.
Synonyms
rule,
standard,
principle,
regulation,
formula,
criterion,
dictate,
statute,
yardstick,
precept
in the sense of command
Definition
knowledge
the struggle for command of the air
Synonyms
domination,
control,
rule,
grasp,
sway,
mastery,
dominion,
upper hand,
power,
government
in the sense of condition
Definition
a term of an agreement
They had agreed to a summit subject to certain conditions.
Synonyms
requirement,
terms,
rider,
provision,
restriction,
qualification,
limitation,
modification,
requisite,
prerequisite,
proviso,
stipulation,
rule,
demand
in the sense of convention
Definition
an accepted rule or method
a social convention
Synonyms
custom,
practice,
tradition,
code,
usage,
protocol,
formality,
etiquette,
propriety,
kawa (New Zealand),
tikanga (New Zealand),
rule
in the sense of course
Definition
a mode of conduct or action
Resignation is the only course left open to him.
Synonyms
procedure,
plan,
policy,
programme,
method,
conduct,
behaviour,
manner,
mode,
regimen
in the sense of criterion
Definition
a standard by which something can be judged or decided
Exam results shouldn't be the only criterion for your choice of school.
Synonyms
standard,
test,
rule,
measure,
principle,
proof,
par,
norm,
canon,
gauge,
yardstick,
touchstone,
bench mark
in the sense of decide
This is a question that should be decided by government.
Synonyms
resolve,
answer,
determine,
settle,
conclude,
decree,
clear up,
ordain,
adjudicate,
adjudge,
arbitrate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of determine
Definition
to settle (an argument or a question) conclusively
What determines whether you are a success or a failure?
Synonyms
affect,
control,
decide,
rule,
condition,
direct,
influence,
shape,
govern,
regulate,
dictate,
ordain (formal),
have an impact on,
have an effect on
in the sense of dictum
Definition
a formal statement
his dictum that the priority of the government must be the health of the people
Synonyms
decree,
order,
demand,
statement,
command,
dictate,
canon,
fiat,
edict,
pronouncement
in the sense of direct
Definition
to conduct or control the affairs of
She will direct day-to-day operations.
Synonyms
control,
run,
manage,
lead,
rule,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
advise,
govern,
regulate,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
dispose,
preside over,
mastermind,
call the shots,
call the tune,
superintend
in the sense of direction
Definition
management or guidance
The house was built under the direction of his partner.
Synonyms
management,
government,
control,
charge,
administration,
leadership,
command,
guidance,
supervision,
governance,
oversight,
superintendence
in the sense of dominate
Definition
to control or govern
No company should be permitted to dominate the market.
Synonyms
control,
lead,
rule,
direct,
master,
govern,
monopolize,
tyrannize,
have the upper hand over,
lead by the nose (informal),
overbear,
have the whip hand over,
domineer,
keep under your thumb
in the sense of domination
They had five centuries of domination by the Romans.
Synonyms
control,
power,
rule,
authority,
influence,
command,
sway,
dictatorship,
repression,
oppression,
suppression,
supremacy,
mastery,
tyranny,
ascendancy,
subordination,
despotism,
subjection
in the sense of dominion
Definition
control or authority
They believe they have dominion over us.
Synonyms
control,
government,
power,
rule,
authority,
command,
sovereignty,
sway,
domination,
jurisdiction,
supremacy,
mastery,
ascendancy,
mana (New Zealand)
in the sense of empire
the erroneous belief that man possesses empire over all the creatures in the world
Synonyms
power,
government,
control,
rule,
authority,
command,
sovereignty,
sway,
supremacy,
dominion,
mana (New Zealand)
in the sense of find
Definition
to pronounce (the defendant) guilty or not guilty
He has been found guilty on all five charges.
Synonyms
judge,
decide,
determine,
conclude,
ascertain,
adjudicate,
adjudge,
arbitrate
in the sense of form
Definition
manners and etiquette
a frequent broadcaster on correct form and dress
Synonyms
procedure,
behaviour,
manners,
etiquette,
use,
rule,
conduct,
ceremony,
custom,
convention,
ritual,
done thing,
usage,
protocol,
formality,
wont,
right practice,
kawa (New Zealand),
tikanga (New Zealand)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of formula
Definition
a plan or set of rules for doing or producing something
The new peace formula means hostilities have ended.
Synonyms
method,
plan,
policy,
rule,
principle,
procedure,
recipe,
prescription,
blueprint,
precept,
modus operandi,
way
in the sense of guide
Definition
to influence (a person) in his or her actions or opinions
He should have let his instinct guide him.
Synonyms
supervise,
train,
rule,
teach,
influence,
advise,
counsel,
govern,
educate,
regulate,
instruct,
oversee,
sway,
superintend
in the sense of habit
Definition
established custom or use
It had become a habit with her to annoy him.
Synonyms
custom,
rule,
practice,
tradition,
routine,
convention,
mode,
usage,
wont,
second nature
in the sense of hold sway
Definition
to have power or influence
Here, a completely different approach seems to hold sway.
Synonyms
prevail,
rule,
predominate,
reign,
be in power,
hold power,
exercise power,
wield power,
have the greatest influence,
be most powerful,
have the ascendancy
in the sense of influence
Definition
power resulting from ability, wealth, or position
As we grew older, I had less influence and couldn't control him.
Synonyms
control,
power,
authority,
direction,
command,
domination,
supremacy,
mastery,
ascendancy,
mana (New Zealand),
bottom
in the sense of judge
Players have been judged guilty of match-fixing.
Synonyms
find,
rule,
pass,
pronounce,
decree,
adjudge
in the sense of jurisdiction
Definition
authority in general
The British police have no jurisdiction over foreign bank accounts.
Synonyms
authority,
say,
power,
control,
rule,
influence,
command,
sway,
dominion,
prerogative,
mana (New Zealand)
in the sense of law
Definition
a rule or body of rules made by the legislature or other authority
the laws of the Church of England
Synonyms
rule,
order,
ruling,
principle,
standard,
direction,
regulation,
guideline,
decree,
maxim,
ordinance,
tenet,
dictum,
precept
in the sense of lead
Definition
to have the principal part in (something)
He led the country between 1949 and 1984.
Synonyms
command,
rule,
govern,
preside over,
head,
control,
manage,
direct,
supervise,
be in charge of,
head up
in the sense of leadership
What most people want to see is determined, decisive action and firm leadership.
Synonyms
guidance,
government,
authority,
management,
administration,
direction,
supervision,
domination,
directorship,
superintendency
Additional synonyms
in the sense of mana
Definition
authority, influence and prestige
a leader of great mana and influence
Synonyms
authority,
influence,
power,
might,
force,
weight,
strength,
domination,
sway,
standing,
status,
importance,
esteem,
stature,
eminence
in the sense of manage
Definition
to be in charge of
Within two years, he was managing the store.
Synonyms
be in charge of,
run,
handle,
rule,
direct,
conduct,
command,
govern,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
preside over,
be head of,
call the shots in,
superintend,
call the tune in
in the sense of mastery
Definition
complete power or control
a region where humans have gained mastery over the major rivers
Synonyms
control,
authority,
command,
rule,
victory,
triumph,
sway,
domination,
superiority,
conquest,
supremacy,
dominion,
upper hand,
ascendancy,
pre-eminence,
mana (New Zealand),
whip hand
in the sense of maxim
Definition
a brief expression of a general truth, principle, or rule of conduct
I believe in the maxim `if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.
Synonyms
saying,
motto,
adage,
proverb,
rule,
saw (old-fashioned),
gnome,
dictum,
axiom,
aphorism,
byword,
apophthegm
in the sense of method
Definition
a way of doing something, esp. a systematic or regular one
new teaching methods
Synonyms
manner,
process,
approach,
technique,
way,
plan,
course,
system,
form,
rule,
programme,
style,
practice,
fashion,
scheme,
arrangement,
procedure,
routine,
mode,
modus operandi
in the sense of monopolize
Definition
to hold exclusive control of a market or supply
They are virtually monopolizing the market.
Synonyms
control,
corner,
take over,
dominate,
exercise or have a monopoly of
in the sense of obtain
Definition
to be customary or accepted
The longer this situation obtains, the bigger the problems will be.
Synonyms
prevail,
hold,
stand,
exist,
be the case,
abound,
predominate,
be in force,
be current,
be prevalent
in the sense of order
Definition
an instruction that must be obeyed
Mr North had been arrested on the orders of the Spanish government.
Synonyms
instruction,
ruling,
demand,
direction,
command,
say-so (informal),
dictate,
decree,
mandate,
directive,
injunction,
behest,
stipulation
in the sense of ordinance
Definition
an official rule or order
ordinances that restrict building development
Synonyms
rule,
order,
law,
ruling,
standard,
guide,
direction,
principle,
command,
regulation,
guideline,
criterion,
decree,
canon,
statute,
fiat,
edict,
dictum,
precept
in the sense of oversee
Definition
to watch over and direct (someone or something)
Get a surveyor to oversee and inspect the various stages of the work.
Synonyms
supervise,
run,
control,
manage,
direct,
handle,
conduct,
look after,
be responsible for,
administer,
inspect,
preside over,
keep an eye on,
be on duty at,
superintend,
have or be in charge of
Additional synonyms
in the sense of policy
Definition
a plan of action adopted by a person, group, or government
plans which include changes in foreign policy
Synonyms
procedure,
plan,
action,
programme,
practice,
scheme,
theory,
code,
custom,
stratagem
in the sense of power
Definition
a position of control, esp. over the running of a country
women who have reached positions of great power and influence
Synonyms
control,
authority,
influence,
command,
sovereignty,
sway,
dominance,
domination,
supremacy,
mastery,
dominion,
ascendancy,
mana (New Zealand),
bottom
in the sense of practice
Definition
something done regularly or repeatedly
a public inquiry into bank practices
Synonyms
custom,
use,
way,
system,
rule,
method,
tradition,
habit,
routine,
mode,
usage,
wont,
praxis,
usual procedure,
tikanga (New Zealand)
in the sense of predominate
Definition
to be the most important or controlling aspect or part
a society where Islamic principles predominate
Synonyms
prevail,
rule,
reign,
hold sway,
get the upper hand,
carry weight
in the sense of preponderate
Definition
to be more powerful, important, or numerous (than)
Synonyms
predominate,
rule,
dominate,
prevail,
outnumber,
hold sway,
reign supreme
in the sense of prevail
Definition
to be generally established
A similar situation prevails in America.
Synonyms
be widespread,
abound,
predominate,
be current,
be prevalent,
preponderate,
exist generally
in the sense of principle
Definition
a moral rule guiding personal conduct
a violation of the basic principles of Marxism
Synonyms
belief,
rule,
standard,
attitude,
code,
notion,
criterion,
ethic,
doctrine,
canon,
creed,
maxim,
dogma,
tenet,
dictum,
credo,
axiom
in the sense of pronounce
Definition
to declare as one's judgment
A specialist has pronounced him fully fit.They took time to pronounce their verdict.
Synonyms
declare,
announce,
judge,
deliver,
assert,
proclaim,
decree,
affirm
in the sense of regime
Definition
a particular administration
the collapse of the fascist regime
Synonyms
government,
rule,
authorities,
management,
administration,
leadership,
establishment,
reign
in the sense of regulate
Definition
to control by means of rules
a powerful body to regulate the stock market
Synonyms
control,
run,
order,
rule,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
arrange,
monitor,
organize,
govern,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
systematize,
superintend
Additional synonyms
in the sense of resolve
Definition
to decide or determine firmly
She resolved to report the matter.
Synonyms
decide,
determine,
undertake,
make up your mind,
agree,
design,
settle,
purpose,
intend,
fix,
conclude
in the sense of routine
Definition
a usual or regular method of procedure
The players had to change their daily routine.
Synonyms
procedure,
programme,
way,
order,
practice,
method,
pattern,
formula,
custom,
usage,
wont,
lockstep (US, Canadian)
in the sense of settle
Definition
an act of settling
Right, that's settled then.
Synonyms
establish,
determine,
confirm,
fix,
appoint,
arrange,
agree
in the sense of standard
Definition
a moral principle of behaviour
My father has always had high moral standards.
Synonyms
principles,
ideals,
morals,
rule,
ethics,
canon,
moral principles,
code of honour
in the sense of supremacy
Definition
the state or quality of being superior
The president asserted his supremacy over the prime minister.
Synonyms
domination,
dominance,
ascendancy,
sovereignty,
sway,
lordship,
mastery,
dominion,
primacy,
pre-eminence,
predominance,
supreme power,
absolute rule,
paramountcy
in the sense of sway
Definition
power or influence
How can mothers keep daughters under their sway?
Synonyms
power,
control,
influence,
government,
rule,
authority,
command,
sovereignty,
jurisdiction,
clout (informal),
dominion,
predominance,
ascendency
in the sense of tenet
Definition
a principle on which a belief or doctrine is based
Non-violence is the central tenet of their faith.
Synonyms
principle,
rule,
doctrine,
creed,
view,
teaching,
opinion,
belief,
conviction,
canon,
thesis,
maxim,
dogma,
precept,
article of faith,
kaupapa (New Zealand)
in the sense of tradition
Definition
a custom or practice of long standing
She has carried on the family tradition of giving away plants.