REGULATION Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

regulation 1 of 2

noun

ˌre-gyə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of regulation

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

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

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

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

Preserve local input while avoiding a patchwork of regulations, ensuring communities are protected and industry provides sufficient justification and incentives. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026 Cortisol and corticosterone hormones are responsible for the regulation of energy balance, metabolism, and immunoregulation, which may explain why introducing cortisol affected glucose regulation in the sharks. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 The researchers are calling for regulations and safeguards at the policy level. — Lissa Soep, Vox, 17 Oct. 2026 Mark Scheifele and Alex Iafallo scored for Winnipeg, which lost its first game this season on home ice in regulation. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for regulation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for regulation

Noun

In 2024, the CFPB proposed a rule that would require the disclosure of tips and fees as finance charges as an APR, or the total yearly cost of borrowing money.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
But that same year, protests erupted that ended 15 years of rule by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rule

Noun

White said Salvation Brands is not to be confused with the big brand management firms such as Authentic Brands Group and WHP Global, which are getting all the attention these days.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Authorities in both countries were investigating the cyber incidents, which exposed vulnerabilities in some older refrigeration management systems and in the countries' highly efficient food supply chains.

— JOHN LEICESTER, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of management

Noun

The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
In 2012 American entrepreneur Russ George spread roughly 100 tons of iron in the North Pacific, provoking international criticism that a commercial venture had begun geoengineering without adequate oversight.

— Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of oversight

Adjective

That argument became central to the administration's legal claims that the ballroom must be built.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Advertisement Some may hesitate to perform CPR because of legal concerns over causing injury—like rib fractures—while administering CPR, but every state has Good Samaritan laws providing protections to people who render emergency aid in good faith.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of legal

Noun

There is a precedent — this idea is an extension of one that is already law.

— Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Advertisement Some may hesitate to perform CPR because of legal concerns over causing injury—like rib fractures—while administering CPR, but every state has Good Samaritan laws providing protections to people who render emergency aid in good faith.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

The magistrate judge ordered the four released on personal recognizance and said they were not required to be under supervision.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
That pressure, coupled with my lack of supervision and distraction with my own reporting, had led to my spectacular failure with Janet Cooke.

— Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of supervision

Noun

Although more brands are embracing recyclable packaging in the name of environmental stewardship, most don’t know if it’s actually being recycled.

— Matt Alderton, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Proactive monitoring, compliance audits and documentation practices help anticipate regulatory shifts and demonstrate responsible stewardship.

— Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of stewardship

Adjective

Attorney General Blanche has instructed the Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies and practices that facilitate violations of federal law or impede lawful federal operations, the department said.

— Eric Henderson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Minors can also temporarily possess firearms for lawful reasons, such as hunting or target practice.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of lawful

Browse Nearby Words

regulating

regulation

regulations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regulation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of regulation

noun

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on regulation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes