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.

The rules require Chinese companies and research institutions to step up security protocols governing key technologies and data.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Citigroup amended protocols much like it does around a presidential election, such as pausing any minor coding updates to its trading tools or anything else that could slow operations, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Although Greer said there are some valuable elements to the original trade pact, he wants separate protocols for each country since the U.S. has different issues with each of the trading partners.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

It is also a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative and collaborates with cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt to refine breach response protocols and educate users on data safety.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

We did not speak, but watched the small waves and the gentle protocols of falling night.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson