Showing results for bend the rules.

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.

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

Daniel Farke accused Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" as Manchester City denied his Leeds team a precious Premier League point on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 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

bend the rules

Example Sentences

Related Words