Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun guideline

3 senses of guideline

Sense 1
guideline -- (a light line that is used in lettering to help align the letters)
       => line -- (a mark that is long relative to its width; "He drew a line on the chart")

Sense 2
road map, guideline -- (a detailed plan or explanation to guide you in setting standards or determining a course of action; "the president said he had a road map for normalizing relations with Vietnam")
       => plan, program, programme -- (a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished; "they drew up a six-step plan"; "they discussed plans for a new bond issue")
       => guidance, counsel, counseling, counselling, direction -- (something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action)

Sense 3
guidepost, guideline, rule of thumb -- (a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior)
       => rule, regulation -- (a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"; "short haircuts were the regulation")