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 New York state set a one-year pause on building AI data centers to establish some ground rules. — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 23 July 2026 Tips for Getting Along With Your In-Laws Some in-laws are harder to deal with than others, and some are flat-out impossible, but experts agree that most relationships can flourish when certain ground rules apply. — Margaret Renkl, Parents, 23 July 2026 Should couples set spending ground rules before moving in together? — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
  1. rules
  2. regulations
  3. laws
  4. codes
Noun
  • What to know about privacy Hospitals and doctors’ offices must follow codes of ethics and rules that protect sensitive patient health information and protect privacy, but AI is not bound by the same strict federal rules.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • This might feel like a pretty significant milestone for you, one whose arrival is made possible because the rules temporarily changed, because the goalposts shifted, or because the obstacles in your way finally eased up.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Definition of rules
Noun
  • Like Rominger, Crowfoot said the ESA can at times be too heavy handed, and said there was always room to tweak the law, particularly in an era where California is confronting a cost of living crisis some pin on regulations restricting growth.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • Agencies entering into an agreement to place an ALPR along an MDOT trunkline are required to follow strict regulations for both the placement of equipment and use of resulting data.
    — Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of regulations
Noun
  • Those who favor stricter immigration laws see the swift hearings as a course-correction for a longstanding problem.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Yes and no, because Ray still has to work within the limits of certain laws and rules.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
Definition of laws
Noun
  • Though South Florida abides by strict statewide building codes to protect against wind and flooding, Lejeune is concerned that no new construction has been tested by destructive storms.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The Castello shoe design reflects Generation Gucci’s approach to the brand’s archival codes, combining different generations of design into one aesthetic narrative.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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