diff --git a/changelog.d/4867.feature b/changelog.d/4867.feature
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..f5f9030e2264
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/4867.feature
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Add a default .m.rule.tombstone push rule.
diff --git a/synapse/push/baserules.py b/synapse/push/baserules.py
index 8f0682c948bd..3523a40108d9 100644
--- a/synapse/push/baserules.py
+++ b/synapse/push/baserules.py
@@ -261,6 +261,23 @@ def make_base_prepend_rules(kind, modified_base_rules):
                 'value': True,
             }
         ]
+    },
+    {
+        'rule_id': 'global/override/.m.rule.tombstone',
+        'conditions': [
+            {
+                'kind': 'event_match',
+                'key': 'type',
+                'pattern': 'm.room.tombstone',
+                '_id': '_tombstone',
+            }
+        ],
+        'actions': [
+            'notify', {
+                'set_tweak': 'highlight',
+                'value': True,
+            }
+        ]
     }
 ]