policy

noun

ˈpä-lə-sē How to pronounce policy (audio)
Definition of policynext
1
as in procedure
a way of acting or proceeding it's always been my policy not to spread rumors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters you should have exercised greater policy in your online relationships and not divulged so much personal information

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 policy One obvious challenge to transparency here comes from policies in place that could’ve prevented us from learning about the issues with Benton in the first place. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 When the Democrats do present economic policies, their rank and file want those to seem like making big changes, not smaller ones — even if the smaller ones would be easier to do. — Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 The family held a $420,000 policy for their home, and the Pueblo County tax assessor valued it at $380,000. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026 That puts the focus on the Bank of Japan, which Kochugovindan said needs to raise rates and signal a faster pace of policy normalization. — Lee Ying Shan,sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for policy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for policy
  1. procedure
  2. prudence
  3. strategy
  4. wisdom
  5. program
  6. sense
  7. discretion
Noun
  • Charles announced he had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing a prostate procedure.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Operating procedures are due in 60 days and will likely answer some of these questions.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of procedure
Noun
  • What looks like prudence to one side can look like over-caution to the other.
    — Abdulrahman Hammad, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • Crews arrived and immediately adopted a defensive strategy while trying to bring the blaze under control.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Amir Becker, Dream’s chief business and strategy officer, said the way the AI system operated in this latest case was alarming.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of strategy
Noun
  • The longtime Oklahoma beekeeper is imparting his wisdom to Kateri (Angelina LookingGlass), a former foster kid of his who has recently turned up out of the blue.
    — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Alexandra's favorite things to do while traveling include hiking to spectacular heights, enjoying new cuisines, and gaining wisdom and new perspectives from cultures around the world.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • City spokesperson Brian Chasnoff told the San Antonio Current that the ballot structure for the bond program has not been determined and the city council will be briefed on the matter in September.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in late July that Myanmar had agreed to take back 5,000 Rohingya refugees currently living in Malaysia as part of a repatriation program.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of program
Noun
  • The Voyager starts to make more sense when the bike also needs to handle groceries, school gear, or part of the morning drop-off routine.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For communities facing population loss, an aging workforce, or struggling to retain young professionals and skilled workers, attracting new residents can make economic sense.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Madrid asked everyone involved to move with extreme discretion.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Illinois law requires the Legislative Ethics Commission to publish certain reports involving serious employee discipline, but gives the commission discretion over publication of other reports — including one like Benton’s.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of discretion

Browse Nearby Words

policing (up)
policy
poling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Policy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/policy. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on policy

Nglish: Translation of policy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about policy

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