Decree
Decree noun - A statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned.
Usage example: the boss doesn't give out many decrees, but he does expect those that are issued to be fully obeyed
Rule is a synonym for decree in order topic. In some cases you can use "Rule" instead the word "Decree" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like law, activity, judgement, action. popular alternative
Rule
Rule noun - A statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity.
Usage example: read the rules that are posted before you use the pool
Decree is a synonym for rule in regulation topic. You can use "Decree" instead the word "Rule" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as activity, action, judge, decide. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
Both words in one sentence
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The entire capital of Zelatar is something of a haven for merchants, Graz'zt's decree giving protection to them, but it's not always an enforced rule.
Source: Bazaar of the Bizarre -
King Smurf gets himself elected to replace the temporarily absent Papa Smurf, then proceeds to declare himself king, hire a Praetorian Guard, and rule by decree.
Source: Tyrant Takes the Helm - Germany's constitution under the Weimar Republic included Article 48, which allowed the President to rule by decree without consulting the Reichstag, Germany's parliament.
Source: Emergency Authority
Cite this Source
Rule and Decree. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/decree/rule
Decree & Rule. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/decree/rule>.
Rule or Decree. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/decree/rule.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "decree" and "rule" have occurred on timeline