Synonyms for rules
- decree
- guideline
- law
- order
- precedent
- regulation
- ruling
- statute
- test
- aphorism
- apothegm
- assize
- axiom
- basis
- canon
- command
- commandment
- criterion
- decorum
- dictum
- direction
- edict
- etiquette
- formula
- fundamental
- gnome
- guide
- keynote
- keystone
- maxim
- model
- moral
- ordinance
- precept
- prescription
- propriety
- regimen
- tenet
- truism
- brocard
- chapter and verse
- decretion
- no-no's
- the book
- the numbers
Antonyms for rules
EXAMPLES FROM THE WEB FOR RULES
We are not obliged to conform to any particular set of rules.
By these rules of conduct, we hope to be known to all peoples.
The only way to learn the rules of any thing practical is to begin to do the thing.
The book of rules stated explicitly that such things were forbidden.
But to desert a woman, and have her apparently not even know it, was against the rules of the game.
There were no rules to cover such conduct on the part of a nurse.
What do you know of the rules of war, you red-headed Senegambian?
Mastery of his rules will not help another to win business success.
To do as you advise would be to change all the rules set down for promotion.
The rules of the game did not protect so much Michaelis, who was an ex-convict.
WORD ORIGIN
c.1200, "principle or maxim governing conduct, formula to which conduct must be conformed" from Old French riule, Norman reule "rule, custom, (religious) order" (in Modern French partially re-Latinized as règle), from Vulgar Latin *regula, from Latin regula "straight stick, bar, ruler;" figuratively "a pattern, a model," related to regere "to rule, straighten, guide" (see regal). Replaced Old English wealdan.
Meaning "regulation governing play of a game, etc." is from 1690s. Phrase rule of thumb first attested 1690s. Rule of law "supremacy of impartial and well-defined laws to any individual's power" is from 1883. Meaning "strip used for making straight lines or measuring" is recorded from mid-14c. Typography sense is attested from 1680s.