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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ground rule
Then coming back for the seventh, Tolle hit another batter and allowed a ground rule double to Marshall Toole, putting men at second and third.
—
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
Noun
-
Accessibility In accordance with Japan’s progressive rules for handicap accessibility, all floors are accessible with wide elevator access, lower level buttons reachable from wheelchairs, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the restaurant level.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The flight was intended for the training pilot to receive instruction in basic visual flight rules and included going over downtown Fort Lauderdale, the report said.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While horses aren’t disallowed in city limits, Charlotte has some additional regulations on how they and other animals can be ridden.—
Nick Sullivan
April 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
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Kiefer Sherwood also scored for the Sharks, whose playoff hopes were dealt a big blow with the regulation loss.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One bill focuses on reducing construction costs by updating building codes.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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At first, Sacramento County Sheriff’s dispatcher Leslie Beach thought the call was a code 211 robbery-in-progress.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Critics, however, said the new law undermines democratic principles by replacing electoral legitimacy with presidential appointment.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
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One dichotomy that’s set up in the book is between the language of poetry and the language of law.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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