1
as in rules
an accepted way of conducting oneself in a given situation
Their behavior was considered a breach of diplomatic protocol.
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2
as in procedures
a preestablished method of carrying out a task and especially a scientific or medical task
The school developed a protocol for the treatment of concussions on the sports field.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of protocols
First and foremost, travelers have become increasingly reliant on expert guidance to navigate fluctuating travel advisories, shifting entry requirements, and health protocols.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Officials are reminding boaters to follow state protocols and always inspect their boats for any vegetation before entering the water.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026
Last week, the Florida Supreme Court denied appeals filed by King, whose attorneys argued that corrections officials had mismanaged the state's death penalty protocols and that he was denied due process by not having access to certain records.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Clinics that invest in patient education and follow-up protocols may help address logistical challenges for international patients that can otherwise escalate into dissatisfaction.
—Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Both players went through concussion protocols and re-entered around the ninth minute.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2026
Around the same time, according to the documents, Merchant conducted internet searches for political rally locations and reported back to his handler about security protocols at the events.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
This approach mirrors general health care, where clinicians rely on evidence, protocols and ongoing learning to improve outcomes and ensure consistent quality of care.
—Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
The Mukwonago Area School District is also reviewing its contract with Dousman Transport and re-establishing clear protocols for non-students riding buses, according to a March 2 letter to parents from Superintendent Joe Koch.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Officials are reminding boaters to follow state protocols and always inspect their boats for any vegetation before entering the water.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026
Last week, the Florida Supreme Court denied appeals filed by King, whose attorneys argued that corrections officials had mismanaged the state's death penalty protocols and that he was denied due process by not having access to certain records.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Clinics that invest in patient education and follow-up protocols may help address logistical challenges for international patients that can otherwise escalate into dissatisfaction.
—Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Both players went through concussion protocols and re-entered around the ninth minute.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2026
Around the same time, according to the documents, Merchant conducted internet searches for political rally locations and reported back to his handler about security protocols at the events.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
This approach mirrors general health care, where clinicians rely on evidence, protocols and ongoing learning to improve outcomes and ensure consistent quality of care.
—Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
The Mukwonago Area School District is also reviewing its contract with Dousman Transport and re-establishing clear protocols for non-students riding buses, according to a March 2 letter to parents from Superintendent Joe Koch.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protocols
Noun
-
But rules at the time said if the runner-up in any category came within three votes of the winner, they would both get rewarded.—
Kiki Intarasuwan,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The foreign ministry has estimated that under the old rules, 60 million to 80 million people worldwide were eligible for citizenship.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The judge in the case said CBP should use standard procedures to issue refunds and importers that paid IEEPA tariffs should not have to file lawsuits in order to guarantee that they’re paid out.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The college is reviewing coordination and notification procedures related to the program and will continue working with appropriate partners to support campus safety, according to Fields.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Elliot approaches his craft with discipline and dedication, consistently pushing himself to explore new techniques, mediums, and ideas.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Rick Baker Much of modern Hollywood makeup derives from techniques created by Rick Baker, who innovated the field of special effects makeup.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With both courtesies and catastrophes refusing to conform, the canton’s school board, publishers, and clergy were forced to produce multiple editions of primers, textbooks, and catechisms; sometimes five parallel print runs were needed for a population the size of a town.—
Simon Akam,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
-
Leonora measures out her days in courtesies and slights, the former dominating the beginning of the book, the latter rapidly gaining ground.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
On Thursday, the Senate passed a broad bipartisan bill on housing, which seeks to adjust policies to increase construction and limit institutional ownership of home development.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
But many of the workers also presented themselves as victims of racially motivated government policies.—
Boyce Upholt,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Since stars in the M dwarf stars category frequently host compact multi-planet systems, the team also examined whether additional planets might be orbiting TOI-1080.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to leading secure and reliable technology systems, Cossey has a strong track record of building high-performing teams and successfully implementing large-scale initiatives.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protocols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protocols. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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