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
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Recent Examples of ground rule
This could be because the leader themselves is emotionally reactive and people are just parroting what is modeled, or because there are no ground rules for conversations and no consequences given for lashing out.
—
Blair Glaser, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026
Instead, White suggests talking about things in advance and setting some ground rules.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Many of these groups, including Nallen Copley’s, have strict ground rules against pitching products and deals and gatekeep against vendors or brokers.
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Are Hal and Kate planning to assess and adjust their expectations and ground rules at the six-month or one-year mark?
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Blair Glaser, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026
Instead, White suggests talking about things in advance and setting some ground rules.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Many of these groups, including Nallen Copley’s, have strict ground rules against pitching products and deals and gatekeep against vendors or brokers.
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Are Hal and Kate planning to assess and adjust their expectations and ground rules at the six-month or one-year mark?
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
Noun
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On a call from Mexico on Thursday with reporters, Estrada Juarez, 42, said DACA was supposed to protect people like her who work hard and follow the rules.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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For details on other rules, like how many and what kinds of fish anglers can bring home, or where and how to get needed licenses and permits, visit the Unified Government’s Fishing and Boating website.—
Sofi Zeman
March 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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San Diego police do not enforce federal immigration laws and are subject to state regulations.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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The Trojans led the Huskies by 13 in the second half and had chances to win at the end of regulation and overtime, only to miss all three potential game-winning or game-tying shots and go 2-for-5 from the free-throw line in overtime.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In design, engineering, pre-construction, and manufacturing, there are specs, there are permitting codes, there are ordinances, and there’s disconnect between the disciplines, so the context is incredibly complicated.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
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These names usually contain two words to help distinguish them from other types of military codes.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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According to the website, states may exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time by state law in accordance with the Uniform Time Act, as amended.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
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On at least six other occasions, detainees attempted to harm themselves while expressing suicidal ideations that resulted in 911 calls, according to records from the city of El Paso obtained under the Texas public information law.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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