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
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
Boston’s only baserunners through the first half of the game came on a Connor Wong ground rule double in the third, a Willson Contreras hit by pitch in the fourth and Rafaela walk in the fifth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
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
Boston’s only baserunners through the first half of the game came on a Connor Wong ground rule double in the third, a Willson Contreras hit by pitch in the fourth and Rafaela walk in the fifth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
Noun
-
According to Academy rules, the number of nominees in each category is determined by the volume of submissions, with the field expanding to a sixth lead or supporting nominee only once entries cross the 80-submission threshold.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
At first glance, FIFA’s new rule may appear as basic player safety.—
Dilan Gomih,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
State regulations require specific teacher-to-child ratios, and those ratios become especially demanding with infants and toddlers.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
The country’s ministry of culture and sports set out a series of rules and regulations which included no pyro, no face paint and no shouting of words that could be degrading towards any person on the field, not even the referee.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The process, lined out in city code, includes giving the owner 60 days to address the site’s conditions.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
-
Don’t forget to scan the QR code on the accompanying postcard, revealing a custom road trip playlist that will send you off on your Rhode Island adventure with an indulgent mix of oldies and contemporary hits.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can carry penalties that include fines, probation, community service and a driver's license suspension, though any potential penalties in this case would depend on the outcome of court proceedings.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
For Claire Gregory, however, that expectation never fully aligned with reality, despite earning her law degree, passing two bar exams and working across various areas of the legal field.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
