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Dictionary.com

bend the rules

VERB
deviate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
depart differ diverge vary veer
STRONG
aberrate avert bend contrast deflect digress divagate drift err part shy swerve turn wander
WEAK
angle off bear off break pattern circumlocate depart from edge off get around go amiss go haywire go off on tangent go out of control go out of way leave beaten path not conform swim against stream take a turn turn aside
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree stay
STRONG
straighten
WEAK
go straight keep
VERB
divert
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deter detract discourage distract
STRONG
abstract detach disengage dissuade disturb sidetrack stall
WEAK
attract attention catch flies circumlocute disadvise draw away get around lead astray lead away send on a wild-goose chase
Antonyms
STRONGEST
encourage
STRONG
attach combine connect unite
WEAK
anger be direct irritate keep to maintain make mad stay upset
VERB
play dirty
Synonyms
WEAK
bamboozle beguile bilk burn caboodle chisel con deceive defraud do a number on double-cross double-deal dupe finagle fleece flimflam fudge hit below the belt hoodwink hose mislead pull something funny rip off rook sandbag scam screw shaft stack the cards stretch the rules sucker swindle trick victimize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In November, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules".

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

A close enough friend, the Journal found, to bend the rules for, beginning with an unchallenged belief in Boyd’s claim that Spivey shot first.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

That Michaels and his “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” bend the rules and think differently is a message Reitman delivers without overkill.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2024

He said rental hosts bend the rules in a few ways.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2023

“Normally I’m not one to bend the rules, but how can I turn away a child with such splendid taste in clothing? However unintentional.”

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston