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

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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 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 The official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity on ground rules set by the White House, said Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war. — Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 11 June 2026 No lecture or strict ground rules are required. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026 But Alamo breaks his own ground rules, raising his pistol and attempting to fire before the glass breaks. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026 The 62-year-old actor and director, who was greeted by a group of autograph seekers over the weekend, has drawn criticism for laying out ground rules before proceeding with the signing. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026 Through the mystery of one person’s fate, a young hero awakens to certain ground rules and discovers a haunted place. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
  1. rules
  2. regulations
  3. laws
  4. codes
Noun
  • Facing unpredictable tariffs, fleet disruptions, and intense competition, the company is entering a new era of reglobalization, where automated belt systems, edge robotics, and new trade patterns are rewriting the rules of global supply chains.
    — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • The publisher added a direct purchase option to the game in violation of both Apple’s and Google’s rules.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Definition of rules
Noun
  • Starlink’s satellite internet has launched in around two dozen other African countries, but Musk has refused to follow South Africa’s affirmative action regulations.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • The Garden City Police Department posted a video to its Facebook page Thursday helping to explain the new regulations.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026
Definition of regulations
Noun
  • The deal could close as soon as July 22, though several states, including Oregon and California, are investigating whether the $111 billion transaction violates their antitrust laws.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • Prediction markets can legally operate in Texas because they’re regulated by the federal government rather than under state gambling laws.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
Definition of laws
Noun
  • The study will examine whether the system could allow survivors to discreetly communicate with law enforcement using pre-established codes or phrases when making a phone call is not safe.
    — Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • CouponFollow, with over 5,000 retail partners, helps shoppers find verified promo codes and discounts across its network through a browser extension called Cently, which will apply the best available codes before checkout.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Definition of codes

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ground rule
ground rules
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Cite this Entry

“Ground rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rules. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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