ground rules

noun

plural of ground rule
as in rules
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

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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 rules So, start with laying down some ground rules everyone can agree to. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 The official spoke on the condition anonymity on ground rules set by the White House. — CBS News, 13 June 2026 Bills were introduced in Springfield over the spring to impose ground rules on data center development. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 The official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity on ground rules set by the White House, said Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war. — Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 11 June 2026 No lecture or strict ground rules are required. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
  1. rules
  2. regulations
  3. laws
  4. codes
Noun
  • Along with zoning rules, the city is considering changes to regulations governing water use, noise, and economic development agreements.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • The compliance system usage fee would cover enforcement of city contract provisions on contractors, including prevailing wage and living wage rules.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of rules
Noun
  • Despite concerns that California’s costs and regulations are bad for business, the state has attracted an unprecedented pile of capital this year, and no other state is even close.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Along with zoning rules, the city is considering changes to regulations governing water use, noise, and economic development agreements.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
Definition of regulations
Noun
  • The deal could close as soon as July 22, though several states, including Oregon and California, are investigating whether the $111 billion transaction violates their antitrust laws.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • Prediction markets can legally operate in Texas because they’re regulated by the federal government rather than under state gambling laws.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
Definition of laws
Noun
  • But because there are rules and codes that have to be honored to make sports work, the transgressors typically are penalized or at least shamed for doing so.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
  • The full list now includes the A57 and A37, the A56 and A36, the A55, and the A34, which all now have specific build codes assigned.
    — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of codes

Browse Nearby Words

ground rule
ground rules
grounds
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Cite this Entry

“Ground rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rules. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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