1
as in to enact
to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action
the city council promises to lay down new ordinances that will force dog walkers to clean up after their animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to declare
to state clearly and strongly
at the risk of their popularity, the parents laid down the rules for the party and wouldn't accept any arguments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to specify
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the supervisor laid down the procedure for a complaint of sexual harassment
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress
commanded the surrounded troops to lay down their weapons
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of lay down
Throughout their rule, the Romans laid down a vast system of roads and set up a number of towns along the Danube River, including Ovilava.
—
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
And the goose egg was to a Chiefs offense that willingly laid down its swords and trotted out backups.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 1 June 2025
Coming up Liverpool have been enjoying their title celebrations, some of their players having headed off to Dubai, Arne Slot laying down some beats in Ibiza.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Rave laid down down the bunt and seemed to beat the throw to first.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
And the goose egg was to a Chiefs offense that willingly laid down its swords and trotted out backups.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 1 June 2025
Coming up Liverpool have been enjoying their title celebrations, some of their players having headed off to Dubai, Arne Slot laying down some beats in Ibiza.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Rave laid down down the bunt and seemed to beat the throw to first.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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However, it wasn’t ultimately enacted by the last Congress.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images House Majority Leader Steve Scalise formally introduced legislation to enact President Donald Trump's $9.4 billion rescissions package on Friday, setting up a floor vote as early as Tuesday.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Hit with what’s been declared one of the deadliest U.S. storms of the 21st century, multiple businesses and restaurants in the area were forced to close their doors, while others had to scale back operations just to stay afloat.—
Chyna Blackmon,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2025
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The spacecraft also went dark during that try, which was eventually declared a failure.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
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The department did not specify exactly how many people were in custody as of Friday afternoon.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
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Musk did not specify the context in which Trump is allegedly in the files.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
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In addition there are concerns about relinquishing control of monetary policy as countries in the euro zone are subject to decisions by the ECB, Tursa added.—
Sophie Kiderlin,
CNBC,
10 June 2025
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The nonprofit Consumer Watchdog argued that the bill would relinquish state control of California’s famously ambitious clean energy policies.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Given his skill in possession and ability to pass long, replacing Schar will not be an easy — or cheap — task.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Also, Congress never managed to pass legislations such as the PRO Act that would have lowered obstacles to organizing and helped increase density, particularly in the private sector.—
Jim Miller,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 June 2025
Verb
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The Biden Department of Education’s fact sheet—which was not a law or a regulation promulgated through agency rule-making—asserted colleges paying athletes for use of their NIL ought to count as athletic financial assistance within the meaning of Title IX.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 June 2025
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After a shock-and-awe run of asserting executive power — much of it now tied up in the courts — Trump’s full attention is now on the Capitol, where lawmaking is in short supply this year.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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His music is also a way for parents to connect with the club vibe that, for many, defined their pre-child years.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
13 June 2025
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The edges of the mole are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.—
Sarah Jividen,
Health,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Script is by mega TV producer Taylor Sheridan, who was commissioned by Warner Bros prior to his current overall deal with Paramount, with the latter granting Taylor’s request to render services, within Paramount’s exclusive window.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
13 June 2025
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After the blaring siren was rendered silent in Florida’s 6-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, the horn will be ready and in full force for Game 4 on Thursday at Amerant Bank Arena.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20down. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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