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
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Recent Examples of ground rules
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
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 13 May 2026
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
Because along with this freedom, students are also taught – and are practicing – respect for others, the correct use of materials, completing cycles of work, and following classroom ground rules.
—Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
In a hearing before Judge Lyons on Monday, the attorneys for Toledo's family and the city began going over ground rules for the trial.
—Jessica Popowcer, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
You’re allowed to set ground rules for all connections — even friendships.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
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
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 13 May 2026
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
Because along with this freedom, students are also taught – and are practicing – respect for others, the correct use of materials, completing cycles of work, and following classroom ground rules.
—Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
In a hearing before Judge Lyons on Monday, the attorneys for Toledo's family and the city began going over ground rules for the trial.
—Jessica Popowcer, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
You’re allowed to set ground rules for all connections — even friendships.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
Noun
-
The Lottery Commission voted Tuesday to authorize regulatory amendments that Executive Director Mark William Bracken said would set rules and regulations for iLottery games.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
Supervisors have awarded grants to groups that have run afoul of state rules for charities, and some grants have lacked documentation showing they were properly spent.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
However, a look at records maintained by the South Coast Air Quality Management District show that some plants that use MMA have checkered pasts for keeping up with regulations.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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As readers are now no doubt aware, the 2026 regulations have painted the sport into a bit of a corner.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The policies proposed by the candidates range from eliminating key environmental laws to providing free childcare and college tuition.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
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But the way telemedicine is practiced varies widely, and state laws largely dictate rules that telehealth providers must follow.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Makes sense that this is a the Mandarin, an Asian group with different codes for luxury.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Companies can’t hand over important access codes to unsecured AI agents, making cyber a key component of AI infrastructure.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ground rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rules. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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