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
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Recent Examples of ground rules
Because along with this freedom, students are also taught – and are practicing – respect for others, the correct use of materials, completing cycles of work, and following classroom ground rules.
—
Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
In helming one of the world’s biggest airline groups, Kirby has also laid some ground rules to avoid burnout.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026
In a hearing before Judge Lyons on Monday, the attorneys for Toledo's family and the city began going over ground rules for the trial.
—Jessica Popowcer, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
This may mean changing your mindset; this may mean family therapy; this may mean taking a firmer stance on ground rules for respect in the home, in conjunction with your husband.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
You’re allowed to set ground rules for all connections — even friendships.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Students created Instagram accounts with posts to share walking routes, protest times, last-minute changes and ground rules for the demonstrations, such as a prohibition on violence.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 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
Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
In helming one of the world’s biggest airline groups, Kirby has also laid some ground rules to avoid burnout.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026
In a hearing before Judge Lyons on Monday, the attorneys for Toledo's family and the city began going over ground rules for the trial.
—Jessica Popowcer, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
This may mean changing your mindset; this may mean family therapy; this may mean taking a firmer stance on ground rules for respect in the home, in conjunction with your husband.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
You’re allowed to set ground rules for all connections — even friendships.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Students created Instagram accounts with posts to share walking routes, protest times, last-minute changes and ground rules for the demonstrations, such as a prohibition on violence.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
Noun
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Across the country, retailers and low-income Americans are facing complex new rules overhauling what millions of people can buy with food stamps.—
Rachel Roubein,
Washington Post,
20 Apr. 2026
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One can see why wrestling appealed to him—the crowd is everything, the rules mean nothing, and the referees are so feckless that they often get knocked out and everyone laughs.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Hungary's economic crisis won't be solved alone by these funds, Darvas said, but by complying with EU regulations, the new government will signal that the country is a stable place for investments.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
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However, a careful review of the statutes and connected regulations reveals that probably very few if any California common-interest developments will be affected by this law.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, the rollout of India’s new four labor codes, intended to replace a patchwork of older laws, formally began on April 1, though implementation depends on individual states finalizing their own rules.—
Mayu Saini,
Footwear News,
17 Apr. 2026
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Tybee Island has an open container ordinance, so drinks can be taken out onto the beach in to-go cups, but public intoxication laws will also be enforced.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The company develops distinctive film and television projects that bridge Japan and the United States — a mission reflected in its name, which combines the countries’ calling codes (+1 and +81).—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
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While specific safety requirements for the 145-foot ship were not known, federal and international codes call for cargo ships to have life rafts stocked with food and water.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ground rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rules. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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