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
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—
Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 13 May 2026
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
What Maryland's surveillance pricing law actually does The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act sets some clear ground rules for large grocery retailers.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
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 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
Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 13 May 2026
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
What Maryland's surveillance pricing law actually does The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act sets some clear ground rules for large grocery retailers.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
Noun
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As the United Kingdom works to make online spaces safer for children through age verification methods, kids are finding creative ways to skirt the rules, including drawing on facial hair to dupe facial recognition systems.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
10 May 2026
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One of the simplest rules for a quieter stay is to choose a cabin surrounded by other guest accommodation.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Managers at various locations have already lifted prohibitions on hunting stands that damage trees and training hunting dogs, using vehicles to retrieve animals and hunting along trails, according to an NPCA review of site regulations the organization recently performed after learning of the order.—
Todd Richmond,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
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Meanwhile, the rest of the NBA is widely expected to be more competitive next season — from the bottom tier, where anti-tanking regulations and a weaker draft class should curb teams’ intentional losing, to the upper echelons, where Oklahoma City and San Antonio stand tall.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Lawyer Steve Oshins told Inside Wealth that QSBS laws and other tax proposals aimed at the wealthy encourage high earners to move to other states.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
8 May 2026
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The Dare Market app allows people to challenge one another to complete dares for prizes or money, but discourages users from breaking any laws, Perfito said.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Noun
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The 2024 election law addresses matters such as the use of QR codes when tallying ballots, voting for the state’s homeless population, rules surrounding the counting of absentee ballots, and third-party candidates on the state’s future presidential election ballots.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2026
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The groups called for a moratorium on new data center development in order to allow local governments more time to adopt policies, investigate new zoning codes and hear community input.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ground rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rules. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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