as in rules
a statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity
before the debate begins, let's lay out some ground rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 ground rules
The official spoke on the condition anonymity on ground rules set by the White House.
—
CBS News,
13 June 2026
Bills were introduced in Springfield over the spring to impose ground rules on data center development.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
The official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity on ground rules set by the White House, said Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war.
—
Munir Ahmed,
Fortune,
11 June 2026
No lecture or strict ground rules are required.
—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
4 June 2026
But Alamo breaks his own ground rules, raising his pistol and attempting to fire before the glass breaks.
—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
1 June 2026
The 62-year-old actor and director, who was greeted by a group of autograph seekers over the weekend, has drawn criticism for laying out ground rules before proceeding with the signing.
—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
FOXNews.com,
26 May 2026
Through the mystery of one person’s fate, a young hero awakens to certain ground rules and discovers a haunted place.
—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—
ABC News,
12 May 2026
CBS News,
13 June 2026
Bills were introduced in Springfield over the spring to impose ground rules on data center development.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
The official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity on ground rules set by the White House, said Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war.
—
Munir Ahmed,
Fortune,
11 June 2026
No lecture or strict ground rules are required.
—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
4 June 2026
But Alamo breaks his own ground rules, raising his pistol and attempting to fire before the glass breaks.
—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
1 June 2026
The 62-year-old actor and director, who was greeted by a group of autograph seekers over the weekend, has drawn criticism for laying out ground rules before proceeding with the signing.
—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
FOXNews.com,
26 May 2026
Through the mystery of one person’s fate, a young hero awakens to certain ground rules and discovers a haunted place.
—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
Noun
-
First, President Dillon asked for existing data centers to be grandfathered in the ordinance, meaning operating data centers can expand without following these rules.
-
Under federal rules, if a complaint about an infant formula — such as a report of an adverse event — shows a possible health hazard, the company must investigate.
Noun
-
This would address the talent gap, reduce housing costs, and fill hundreds of thousands of jobs, despite union resistance and inconsistent state-level regulations.
-
As a new Kansas law restricts phones in classrooms, one Johnson County school district is in the early stages of adopting two new policies to align with the regulations.
Noun
-
They were reportedly convicted of violating local morality laws under an Islamic Sharia court in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province.
-
The agencies also encouraged states with price-gouging statutes to determine whether enforcement actions are warranted under those laws.
Noun
-
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has pledged $250 deposits for accounts belonging to children ages 10 or younger living in Zip codes with median household incomes of $150,000 or less.
-
Travelers can also do a quick search for any coupon codes to get airport parking for even less.
Cite this Entry
“Ground rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rules. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
