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
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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
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Recent Examples of lay down
So Andor Season 2 starts with a big death—or two, as Brasso also dies after being shot by a Stormtrooper—and a story that keeps laying down the groundwork towards Rogue One.
—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2025
That brought up sophomore third baseman Reese Pedersen, who laid down a squeeze bunt.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
How to Make Crispy Smashed Ranch Broccoli Start by steaming the broccoli and laying down a layer of Parmesan cheese on a prepared baking sheet.
—Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2025
The Church’s task is no longer these days that of the lawmaker, laying down is right and good.
—Austen Ivereigh, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2025
That brought up sophomore third baseman Reese Pedersen, who laid down a squeeze bunt.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
How to Make Crispy Smashed Ranch Broccoli Start by steaming the broccoli and laying down a layer of Parmesan cheese on a prepared baking sheet.
—Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2025
The Church’s task is no longer these days that of the lawmaker, laying down is right and good.
—Austen Ivereigh, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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The full impact on the complicated tariffs and other trade penalties enacted by Washington and Beijing remains unclear.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 May 2025
-
House Republicans defended a bill that would enact sweeping tax cuts, raise the debt ceiling, and add restrictions to benefit programs during a heated marathon day of committee hearings on Capitol Hill.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Verb
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During his first term in office, Trump often used Potemkin announcements to declare victory in the hopes no one would follow up on the tangibles.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
12 May 2025
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In Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) declared Ozone Action Days for the San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Galveston, Dallas, and Fort Worth areas.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
The developer doesn’t specify any further system requirements.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
14 May 2025
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While officials haven't specified the nature of the attack, multiple media outlets report Lanez was stabbed.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Last year, Sabalenka relinquished the Madrid Open title to Iga Świątek in the best WTA Tour match of the season.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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In the past month, many of these universities have been ordered to relinquish their academic independence, stripped of federal funds, had their students seized on the streets, and watched as faculty have begun an exodus to foreign academic institutions beyond the reach of the U.S. government.—
Drew Bernstein,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Graduates of the enhanced program still must pass an air traffic skills assessment and meet security and medical requirements, according to the FAA.—
Sarah Dewberry,
CNN Money,
12 May 2025
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For years, legislation allowing public school districts more calendar flexibility has passed in the state House but stalled in the Senate.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2025
Verb
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In response, two of Trump's senior officials made statements asserting that the message was a threat toward the president.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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Inspired by classic boom-bap production, lyrically, the track sees Young assert her agency in the bedroom with a new flame.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Returning to the wuxia genre that has defined much of his illustrious career, Tsui explains his approach to this latest adaptation of the classic martial arts tale.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
8 May 2025
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The pattern that defined this period—an uptick in spying during war, and then its ebbing in peacetime—poses a problem for Rogg and Lowenthal, whose accounts of the years between the Revolution and World War II are overstuffed with desultory detail.—
James Santel,
The Atlantic,
8 May 2025
Verb
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At the same time, James and her peers helped students connect with experts in larger cities in professional fields; apply for admissions, grants and scholarships; and rendered whatever other assistance was needed.—
Doug Thompson,
Arkansas Online,
8 May 2025
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This one, is rendered in moody, romantic tones of blue.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vogue,
8 May 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 20 May. 2025.
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