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
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Recent Examples of ground rule
The law also allows universities to set some ground rules about when, where, and how these activities can take place, but those rules can’t favor one viewpoint over another.
—
Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
Pool hosts are required to reach out to neighbors to establish ground rules about parking cars, pool hours and other items of etiquette.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 June 2025
While their kids are still young, both plan to proceed with caution and plenty of ground rules.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 16 May 2025
But for a partial solar eclipse occurring at sunrise, the usual ground rules might be fraught with uncertainty.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
Pool hosts are required to reach out to neighbors to establish ground rules about parking cars, pool hours and other items of etiquette.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 June 2025
While their kids are still young, both plan to proceed with caution and plenty of ground rules.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 16 May 2025
But for a partial solar eclipse occurring at sunrise, the usual ground rules might be fraught with uncertainty.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
Noun
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Having a place for all your belongings is a non-negotiable organizing rule if your goal is to have a totally tidy home.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
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The charitable event, which launched in 2006 as an offshoot of the 24 Hour Plays project, has strict rules.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Noun
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English's caddie, Eric Larson, is currently stuck in the United States after being unable to obtain a new Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa for travel to the U.K., a regulation that now applies to Americans.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
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Although there is currently no single malt whisky regulation in India comparable to Scotland’s, many producers follow international best practices, avoiding additives and chill filtration.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Start your new sportsbook account the right way with the BetMGM bonus code NW150.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
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Suburban-style zoning has become widespread not just in suburbs proper, but also in core cities, many of which have adopted similar zoning codes that would have made their original growth and housing diversity impossible.—
Marina Bolotnikova,
Vox,
7 July 2025
Noun
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Nowhere is this truer than Wimbledon, which has always been a law unto itself. — Caoimhe O’Neill contributed reporting.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
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Sotomayor wrote her own dissent of the majority’s ruling that fuel producers can challenge California emissions standards under a federal air pollution law.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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