reign vs rule

reign and rule both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
reign	Yes	No	Yes	No
rule	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, rule is a hypernym of reign; that is, rule is a word with a broader meaning than reign:

Other hypernyms of reign include dominion.

As verbs, rule is a hypernym of reign; that is, rule is a word with a broader meaning than reign:

Other hypernyms of reign include govern.

As verbs, reign and rule are synonyms defined as:

reign and rule: be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

Other synonyms of reign include dominate, predominate, prevail.

reign (noun)	rule (noun)
royal authority; the dominion of a monarch	measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths
the period during which a monarch is sovereign	a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
a period during which something or somebody is dominant or powerful	something regarded as a normative example
	a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
	a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
	(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
	prescribed guide for conduct or action
	(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
	directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
	any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
	dominance or power through legal authority
	the duration of a monarch's or government's power

reign (verb)	rule (verb)
have sovereign power	keep in check
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance	decide with authority
	decide on and make a declaration about
	mark or draw with a ruler
	exercise authority over; as of nations
	be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
	have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac