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Synonyms

as a rule

Idioms  
  1. In general, usually, as in As a rule Irene does not eat meat. [Mid-1800s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Scheduled elections should, as a rule, go ahead as planned, and only be postponed in exceptional circumstances," said a spokeswoman.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

He provides a blow-by-blow account of the days leading up to the ruling’s publication, including internal communications between the judges that, as a rule, are never shared with the public.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2025

Or to honesty, as a rule, though he insists that this account of his disastrous Venetian sojourn is genuine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

"This is surprising, as unlike DNA, which as a rule never changes, most RNA molecules are extremely short-lived and are constantly being exchanged," Toda explains.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2024

Manufacturers’ tests on the common laboratory animals — rats, dogs, guinea pigs — include no wild species, no birds as a rule, no fishes, and are conducted under controlled and artificial conditions.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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