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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ground rule
This may mean changing your mindset; this may mean family therapy; this may mean taking a firmer stance on ground rules for respect in the home, in conjunction with your husband.
—
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
You’re allowed to set ground rules for all connections — even friendships.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Students created Instagram accounts with posts to share walking routes, protest times, last-minute changes and ground rules for the demonstrations, such as a prohibition on violence.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Instead, White suggests talking about things in advance and setting some ground rules.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
You’re allowed to set ground rules for all connections — even friendships.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Students created Instagram accounts with posts to share walking routes, protest times, last-minute changes and ground rules for the demonstrations, such as a prohibition on violence.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Instead, White suggests talking about things in advance and setting some ground rules.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
Noun
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That means Gotham can tap into an additional $1 million in funds above the salary cap to pay her when the rule comes into effect on July 1.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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The collection of new rules underwent several rounds of revisions to meet definitions in state law, address resident concerns and create a plan for enforcement, according to city staff.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The legislation also included provisions to tighten regulations on vaping, particularly among youth, amid rising concerns about e-cigarette use.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Apr. 2026
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According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Foster’s dual roles were reviewed by the National Football League Players Association to make sure the situation conformed with the NFLPA’s regulations governing contract advisors.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Technology has replaced the medium’s material substrate—once photochemical, now primarily electronic—and repeatedly modified its syntax, its narrative codes, its standards of realism.—
Dennis Lim,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
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Some tech leaders have claimed that AI has enabled them to accomplish more with smaller teams, thanks in part to AI’s proficiency in writing code.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The internal documents were released only after the Union-Tribune pressed for the records, citing language in Atkins’ law.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Various states have laws that ban people under the age of 21 from purchasing firearms, and there are five pending Supreme Court petitions that challenge a variety of these laws across the country.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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