protocols

NOUN

rules of conduct, behavior in certain situation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agreement code contract covenant custom obligation pact

STRONG

compact concordat conventions courtesy decorum etiquette formalities manners order politesse propriety treaty

WEAK

good form p's and q's

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disagreement

STRONG

bad manners impoliteness rudeness

WEAK

crudeness impropriety

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.

Boards should ask management if they have congressional-response protocols.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

But it does have downsides, such as being slower than other protocols, and, while highly customizable, its configuration can be more complex.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

In Rio state, the health department said it had activated safety protocols after a Belgian man who arrived from Uganda showed "viral symptoms such as cough, chills and diarrhoea".

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Public companies have protocols for who gets access to material nonpublic information, because that information can be used to insider trade in the stock market.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

We have no idea what protocols they’ll demand.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly