ground rule

noun

Definition of ground rulenext
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

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 Should couples set spending ground rules before moving in together? — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026 So, start with laying down some ground rules everyone can agree to. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 The official spoke on the condition anonymity on ground rules set by the White House. — CBS News, 13 June 2026 Bills were introduced in Springfield over the spring to impose ground rules on data center development. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
  1. rule
  2. regulation
  3. code
  4. law
Noun
  • Critics dismissed the polls, held in phases in December and January, as a sham designed to consolidate the military’s grip on power while ostensibly restoring civilian rule.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For the first time, after decades of brutal Assad rule – by both Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad before him - the model of impunity in Syria has been broken, even if the penalty is unlikely to ever be carried out.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Ever since Levy’s dismissal as chairman almost a year ago, one of the key points for improvement that the club hierarchy have spoken about has been the importance of selling players, especially in the new era of financial regulation.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered an urgent review of gun regulations, including a suspension of new permits to purchase firearms and a review of existing permits, according to a statement from the Government House.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • Earlier this year, Greenwood Village also amended its municipal code to prohibit low power e-scooters and class 3 e-bikes from city paths, trails and sidewalks.
    — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Law enforcement users will now also be required to enter a code from their records management system tying each search to a specific case before it is run, something Langley said civil liberties advocates have long been calling for.
    — Sarah Rankin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of code
Noun
  • The justice ministry rejected the criticism, saying the proceedings complied with Syrian law and included the participation of victims and their representatives.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Compared with federal law and that of other states, New York has uncommonly strong protections for defendants facing multiple prosecutions — though they are not guaranteed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of law

Browse Nearby Words

ground plans
ground rule
ground rules
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Cite this Entry

“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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