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
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of lay down
The preteen skier, whom The Denver Post is not identifying, said Hedges groped and assaulted him after the boy laid down to sleep.
—
Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 23 June 2025
Lately, Scherzinger has laid down impressive roots on Broadway.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
The sheer weight of the military tanks that will be used in the parade could harm the roads of the parade route, though the military plans to lay down metal plates to mitigate the damage and has offered to pay for any repairs.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025
There was an unspoken gauntlet laid down: Who’s running this s— in the NBA?
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 23 June 2025
Lately, Scherzinger has laid down impressive roots on Broadway.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
The sheer weight of the military tanks that will be used in the parade could harm the roads of the parade route, though the military plans to lay down metal plates to mitigate the damage and has offered to pay for any repairs.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025
There was an unspoken gauntlet laid down: Who’s running this s— in the NBA?
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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In part, Merriman says, because of Beijing enacting tougher environmental regulations at home in 2015, regulations that pushed Chinese firms to set up shop with local partners next door.—
Michael Sullivan,
NPR,
12 July 2025
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Meanwhile, deep tax cuts enacted in 2023 with subsequent cuts each year have had a limited impact on growth, O’Leary said, while reducing state revenue.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Exceeding the authority The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in May that Trump had exceeded his authority by declaring an emergency to impose tariffs without congressional approval.—
Mauricio Savarese,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
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Just how confident is Vandy? Pavia last month called out Alabama on a national podcast, declaring the Commodores have the talent to beat the Tide again.—
Matt Hayes,
The Tennessean,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Without specifying any figures, Sinclair says its ratings for women’s tennis have grown since 2023, especially among the coveted 18-to-34-year-old demographic.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
1 July 2025
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This must include at least 100 MHz from 3.98 to 4.2 GHz, but the plan doesn't specify where the rest of the 300 MHz or more would be taken from.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2025
Verb
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While Israel wants to eradicate Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks, the group has shown little willingness to relinquish its political and military power in Gaza.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
5 July 2025
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Lesson 4: Less data, better decisions Without her phone, my wife had to relinquish her customary role as the navigator.—
JJ Rosen,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Verb
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The four-mile trail passes through groves of Great Basin bristlecone pines, with trunks weathered by centuries of snow and sun.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
11 July 2025
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In contrast, a green placard means a restaurant passed inspection.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
Updated July 11,
Sacbee.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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In retrospect, both fans and Grenier himself have asserted that Nate may be the actual villain of The Devil Wears Prada, and not the titular devil herself.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
1 July 2025
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The athleisure label also asserted that Costco is known to use manufacturers of popular brands’ products for its own Kirkland private label.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
1 July 2025
Verb
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defined a heat wave as a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and usually humid weather that lasts at least two days.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
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Changeable tastes and desires define your next four months.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Chinese electric vehicles are becoming far more attractive, rendering Tesla's cars less appealing, particularly in global markets.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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The government says that services rendered while a fugitive from your master are not recognized.—
Jonquilyn Hill,
Vox,
6 July 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 15 Jul. 2025.
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