Synonyms for

Ruled

Verb / ru:ld / Another word for ruled — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The past tense of the verb 'rule', meaning to exercise control or authority over; to govern or manage.

Synonyms & similar words

predominate reign harness dominate govern rule find decree rein prevail governed controlled dominated directed managed supervised ran commanded handled administered regulated conducted overseen headed guided overruled domineered reigned

Synonyms by register

Formal

governed controlled directed commanded

Informal

bossed ran called the shots

Literary

reigned held sway

Antonyms

obeyed followed submitted yielded conformed

Common collocations

  • ruled the world
  • ruled the roost
  • ruled with an iron fist
  • ruled out
  • ruled by
  • ruled over
  • ruled the waves

Word family

noun rule
verb rule
adjective ruling

Usage note

The past tense 'ruled' can refer to exercising authority or to a decision that something is not possible or acceptable (e.g., 'the judge ruled out the evidence').

Example sentences

  1. The king ruled over his kingdom with an iron fist.
  2. The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
  3. The coach ruled that the play was a foul.
  4. The dictator ruled the country with fear and oppression.
  5. The board ruled that the proposal was not feasible.

Quotes

  • The price of greatness is responsibility. - Winston Churchill
  • Power is not an institution, and not a structure; neither is it a certain strength we are endowed with; it is the name that one attributes to a complex strategical situation in a particular society. - Michel Foucault
  • The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example. - John Wooden

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