ground rules

noun

plural of ground rule
as in rules
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 rules Representatives of Bonta and Paramount Skydance came together late last week to set ground rules for Monday’s meeting, which was to involve Paramount Skydance Chief Executive David Ellison. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Resident Nancy Clifton-Hawkins was an amazing moderator who quickly laid out the goals and ground rules. — Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2026 Consider the 2012 General Agreement in Colombia, which established guidelines for future negotiations, an agenda, and ground rules that gave the talks structure and stability. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 To control the dangerous unfettered use of magic, an oversight council established ground rules on what is considered forbidden magic and the knowledge of its existence. — Kalai Chik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 New York state set a one-year pause on building AI data centers to establish some ground rules. — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 23 July 2026 Tips for Getting Along With Your In-Laws Some in-laws are harder to deal with than others, and some are flat-out impossible, but experts agree that most relationships can flourish when certain ground rules apply. — Margaret Renkl, Parents, 23 July 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
  1. rules
  2. regulations
  3. laws
  4. codes
Noun
  • Landlords and billing firms argue RUBS promotes conservation and recoups rising costs, even as studies, regulators and a recent legal settlement push for submetering and stronger transparency rules.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But the court’s unsigned emergency ruling injects new uncertainty about voting rules in Georgia a little more than two months before the midterms.
    — Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of rules
Noun
  • However, federal regulations passed in the late 1990s prohibit the government from sharing information that could reveal that the person getting deported applied for asylum.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Since vintage base ball league teams agree to abide by the same rules used in 1858, only 37 rules are applied to the sport, as compared to today’s numerous regulations guiding the players of today’s baseball games.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of regulations
Noun
  • The Maryland Data Privacy Act was one of several laws passed in this year's legislative session aimed at curbing federal immigration enforcement in the state.
    — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In response, the CFTC has said that the Commodity Exchange Act gives it sole power over swaps and futures contracts, preempting state laws.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of laws
Noun
  • Each building remains true to its origins, some with original fireplaces, yet all with modern design codes like blond wood floors, custom white-oak platform beds, and Frette and Matouk linens.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Visitors will use smartphones to scan codes inside the Icon Park attraction for clues that will help track down five missing artifacts and the story behind the techniques used by Tussaud.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of codes

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ground rule
ground rules
grounds
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Cite this Entry

“Ground rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rules. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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