as in rule
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
Relevance
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 rule
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
Troy, a San Jose native, scored his first MLB run later in the second inning on Ketel Marte’s ground rule double off Rockies starter Jose Quintana.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 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
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
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
Troy, a San Jose native, scored his first MLB run later in the second inning on Ketel Marte’s ground rule double off Rockies starter Jose Quintana.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 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
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
Noun
-
Rollins credited the administration's crackdown on fraud and recipients who aren't legally authorized to be in the country, as well as the new rules.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
Growing numbers of Labour MPs called for Starmer to quit, but with Burnham unable to run as party leader – and hence prime minister – since rules and convention state that only serving MPs can do so, no one was willing or able to launch an official challenge.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Brain imaging studies have also shown placebo responses can influence stress pathways, hormone activity, immune responses and chemicals tied to mood and pain regulation.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
Still, Trump’s order directs federal agencies to reexamine their regulations.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
So will the three-letter International Air Transport Association airport code, which is used in flight bookings and on baggage tags.—
Alexandra Phelps,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
-
Easley alone was able to develop code that was crucial in research of energy-conversion systems, which paved the way for hybrid vehicles like the Centaur upper-stage rocket.—
Monisha Ravisetti,
Space.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The groups challenging the restriction said the state law prevents social service organizations from helping voters with disabilities or those who are not proficient in English, a conflict with the Voting Rights Act.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
-
Anthropic calls for more stringent regulation and supports efforts by states such as New York and California that have passed more aggressive AI laws.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
