regulatory
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to the control or direction of an activity by a set of rules, laws, etc..
The Coast Guard is to be commended for this current regulatory effort, as their proposed restriction addresses many concerns of the seafaring community.
-
of or relating to the adjustment of a device, system, or organic function so as to meet a standard or the requirements of good operation.
Earth's climate is a highly complex system with its own regulatory mechanisms.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of regulatory
Explanation
Regulatory describes something that holds you to the rules. Detention is regulatory, as are other kinds of punishments. When your mom tells you not to run in the house, she’s being regulatory. You’ll notice most of the word regulate is in regulatory. That’s because when something is regulatory, it’s regulated. You also might be reminded of the word regular. Things that are regulatory, like being forced to stay in for recess, are intended to keep things regular — no breaking rules, no breaking laws, no breaking at all. Things that are regulatory are meant to keep you from falling out of line.
Vocabulary lists containing regulatory
Top Ten Most Relevant Words from Republican Presidential Candidates' Debate - Nov. 10, 2015
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Executive Branch at Work, Sections 1–3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary from the Ninth Republican Debate, February 13, 2016
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Over the years, Boston Scientific has secured regulatory approval for new editions of the device, most recently the Watchman FLX Pro in 2023.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
Ahead of the earnings release, Citi said that it expected management to maintain a cautious outlook given intense industry competition, a tightening regulatory environment and pressure on profitability.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
Now, experts say this aging infrastructure is converging with population growth and regulatory rollbacks that are increasing the likelihood that similar incidents will happen again.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
The most recent regulatory filing from Baron Partners lists five tranches of investment in SpaceX with a reported total valuation, as of March 31, of $3.89 billion.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
Perhaps no aspect of the HUD regulatory regime has been as controversial, however, as the “no-fault” clause contained in every public housing lease.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
