as in rule
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 rule
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
Troy, a San Jose native, scored his first MLB run later in the second inning on Ketel Marte’s ground rule double off Rockies starter Jose Quintana.
—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
25 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
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
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
Troy, a San Jose native, scored his first MLB run later in the second inning on Ketel Marte’s ground rule double off Rockies starter Jose Quintana.
—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
25 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
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
Noun
-
The board removed its previous time limit rule at public comment sessions during board meetings when more than 20 speakers are signed up.
-
For county-specific labels like Napa or Sonoma, the 75% rule applies.
Noun
-
Those also include new regulations on mail-in voting that are likewise facing legal challenges.
-
Christensen suggests the state should instead focus on stripping back environmental regulations that make brush clearance and fire prevention costly, which would ensure state firefighters are not working excessive overtime and the state budget is not being stretched beyond its means.
Noun
-
So will the three-letter International Air Transport Association airport code, which is used in flight bookings and on baggage tags.
-
Easley alone was able to develop code that was crucial in research of energy-conversion systems, which paved the way for hybrid vehicles like the Centaur upper-stage rocket.
Noun
-
The groups challenging the restriction said the state law prevents social service organizations from helping voters with disabilities or those who are not proficient in English, a conflict with the Voting Rights Act.
-
Anthropic calls for more stringent regulation and supports efforts by states such as New York and California that have passed more aggressive AI laws.
Cite this Entry
“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
