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Some common synonyms of regulation<\/em> are canon<\/em><\/a>, law<\/em><\/a>, ordinance<\/em><\/a>, precept<\/em><\/a>, rule<\/em><\/a>, and statute<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"a principle governing action or procedure,\" regulation<\/em> implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.<\/p>

\/\/ regulations<\/em> affecting nuclear power plants<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'canon' be used to replace 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms canon<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> are close in meaning, canon<\/em> suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.<\/p>

\/\/ the canons<\/em> of good taste<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'law' a more appropriate choice than 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words law<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> have much in common, law<\/em> implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.<\/p>

\/\/ obey the law<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'ordinance' be a better fit than 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to regulation<\/em>, ordinance<\/em><\/a> applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.<\/p>

\/\/ a city ordinance<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'precept' instead of 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words precept<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but precept<\/em> commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.<\/p>

\/\/ the precepts<\/em> of effective writing<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'rule' be used instead of 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words rule<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, rule<\/em> applies to more restricted or specific situations.<\/p>

\/\/ the rules<\/em> of the game<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'statute' be a good substitute for 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words statute<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, statute<\/em> implies a law enacted by a legislative body.<\/p>

\/\/ a statute<\/em> requiring the use of seat belts<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the word 'regulation' distinct from other similar nouns?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of regulation<\/em> are canon<\/em><\/a>, law<\/em><\/a>, ordinance<\/em><\/a>, precept<\/em><\/a>, rule<\/em><\/a>, and statute<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"a principle governing action or procedure,\" regulation<\/em> implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.<\/p>

\/\/ regulations<\/em> affecting nuclear power plants<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'canon' be used to replace 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms canon<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> are close in meaning, canon<\/em> suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.<\/p>

\/\/ the canons<\/em> of good taste<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'law' a more appropriate choice than 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words law<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> have much in common, law<\/em> implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.<\/p>

\/\/ obey the law<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'ordinance' be a better fit than 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to regulation<\/em>, ordinance<\/em><\/a> applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.<\/p>

\/\/ a city ordinance<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'precept' instead of 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words precept<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but precept<\/em> commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.<\/p>

\/\/ the precepts<\/em> of effective writing<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'rule' be used instead of 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words rule<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, rule<\/em> applies to more restricted or specific situations.<\/p>

\/\/ the rules<\/em> of the game<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'statute' be a good substitute for 'regulation'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words statute<\/em><\/a> and regulation<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, statute<\/em> implies a law enacted by a legislative body.<\/p>

\/\/ a statute<\/em> requiring the use of seat belts<\/p>" } } ] }

regulation 1 of 2

noun

ËŒre-gyÉ™-ˈlā-shÉ™n How to pronounce regulation (audio)
Definition of regulationnext
1
as in rule
a statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity it's against community regulations to leave your trash on the curb for more than two days

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in management
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something the owner seldom visited the plant and did not take an active part in the regulation of the company

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in oversight
the duty or function of watching or guarding for the sake of proper direction or control the regulation of the soccer team was left entirely to the head coach and her assistants

Synonyms & Similar Words

regulation

2 of 2

adjective

as in legal

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word regulation distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of regulation are canon, law, ordinance, precept, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When could canon be used to replace regulation?

While the synonyms canon and regulation are close in meaning, canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

When is law a more appropriate choice than regulation?

Although the words law and regulation have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

When might ordinance be a better fit than regulation?

While in some cases nearly identical to regulation, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

When is it sensible to use precept instead of regulation?

The words precept and regulation can be used in similar contexts, but precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

When can rule be used instead of regulation?

In some situations, the words rule and regulation are roughly equivalent. However, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When would statute be a good substitute for regulation?

The words statute and regulation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

How is the word regulation distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of regulation are canon, law, ordinance, precept, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When could canon be used to replace regulation?

While the synonyms canon and regulation are close in meaning, canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

When is law a more appropriate choice than regulation?

Although the words law and regulation have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

When might ordinance be a better fit than regulation?

While in some cases nearly identical to regulation, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

When is it sensible to use precept instead of regulation?

The words precept and regulation can be used in similar contexts, but precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

When can rule be used instead of regulation?

In some situations, the words rule and regulation are roughly equivalent. However, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When would statute be a good substitute for regulation?

The words statute and regulation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of regulation
Noun
While there is no law in Connecticut explicitly prohibiting the use of plug-in panels, also known as balcony solar, the need for interconnection agreements with local utilities and a lack of clear regulations has effectively stifled their widespread adoption, experts say. —John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026 But Gumz also emphasized the broader goals of the federal regulation. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The swearing in of Commissioner Mary T. Boyle in June brought the commission up to full strength, with a 3-2 split in favor of Democratic appointees who are expected to take an aggressive enforcement stance in line with the Biden administration’s pro-regulation agenda. —Dean Seal, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2022 Brett Maher went 6-for-9 on field goals while kicking into a non-regulation, skinny post, his longest from 50 yards. —Dallas News, 18 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for regulation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation
  1. rule
  2. management
  3. oversight
  4. legal
  5. law
  6. supervision
  7. stewardship
  8. lawful
Noun
  • Semenya, who was assigned female at birth in South Africa and has high natural testosterone levels, won a European Court of Human Rights judgment in her years-long legal challenge to track and field's rules which did not overturn them.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Sweeney Bell had a tepid response, however, to a recent controversy in which dozens of local Democrats were kicked off the ballot for breaking an Indiana Democratic Party rule.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • The intense heat wave threatens to make water management all the more challenging.
    — Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Vireo Growth also signed a management services agreement to run the retail locations until the deal closes, which is expected to happen in the first half of the year.
    — Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of management
Noun
  • All private airport security operations remain under federal oversight and must comply with the same rules TSA agents follow.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
  • At least 20 airports across the country participate in the Transportation Security Administration's Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which was founded in 2004 and allows private companies to conduct security screening under TSA oversight, Business Insider reported this week.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of oversight
Adjective
  • Deepfake abuse is a growing problem at schools across the country, but experts warn that school policies, legal recourse and education lag far behind.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Together, Feig’s keynote and Glaser’s recognition underscore the intersection of creative vision and legal excellence that defines the modern entertainment industry — making Power of Law one of the most essential gatherings for leaders shaping the business of entertainment today.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of legal
Noun
  • In a March 13 reply brief, the government argued that federal law allows the attorney general to make successive 120-day interim appointments when vacancies persist.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Following his military service, Mueller earned a law degree from the University of Virginia.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of law
Noun
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Bianco, in turn, accused Bonta of political interference and said his investigation has been approved by a judge and will now proceed under court supervision.
    — Tom Coulter, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of supervision
Noun
  • True justice requires rigorous fiscal stewardship.
    — Summer Stephan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The state did not become a leader in recycling and environmental stewardship by accident.
    — Chuck Riegle, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of stewardship
Adjective
  • The Court of Appeals did not rule on whether the expulsion itself was lawful.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to look at whether such court reviews of the process, to get around the fact that the law specifically strips courts of their role in reviewing TPS determinations, are lawful.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of lawful

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on regulation

Nglish: Translation of regulation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about regulation

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