1
as in enacting
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
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2
as in declaring
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
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3
as in specifying
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the supervisor laid down the procedure for a complaint of sexual harassment
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4
as in relinquishing
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laying down
Verb
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In response, Congress expanded federal power by enacting the Ku Klux Klan Acts of 1870 and 1871.
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Japan is enacting its most significant security policy shift since 1954, transitioning from a narrowly defensive posture to robust deterrence.
Verb
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That suit has since been dismissed, with a judge declaring the administration's orders to no longer be operational.
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What’s more, declaring Starliner ready for regular crew rotation flights next year would put the Boeing crew capsule a decade behind its original target of 2017.
Verb
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However, Polestar will continue supporting US drivers of its EVs without specifying for how long.
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On June 11, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement specifying that Mexican authorities had not contacted them about the tip or the search efforts, but saying the investigation was still ongoing.
Verb
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But for Iran, reopening the strait does not mean relinquishing control of it.
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Furthermore, leaders like George Washington achieved greatness not by hoarding power, but by relinquishing it.
Verb
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However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
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Rather than moving directly to their new institution, many spend days or weeks passing through federal transfer centers and local detention facilities before reaching their final destination.
Verb
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Kavanaugh could have limited his separate opinion to asserting that Trump’s order couldn’t override a federal law, which was all that was needed to decide the case.
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The leaders who get the most from this dimension make the connection legible in the work itself rather than asserting it from a stage.
Verb
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Look for flattering lengths, breathable fabrics, and waist-defining details.
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The last week has seen frenzy spill over for what will be an era-defining, royal-level wedding.
Verb
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This lack of competition has stunted the organizational capacity of both the Democratic and Republican Parties, rendering them hollow and unable to cultivate, train, or support a pipeline of young candidates.
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Officers found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately began rendering aid.
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Cite this Entry
“Laying down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laying%20down. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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