1
as in to enact
to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action
the city council promises to lay down new ordinances that will force dog walkers to clean up after their animals
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2
as in to declare
to state clearly and strongly
at the risk of their popularity, the parents laid down the rules for the party and wouldn't accept any arguments
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3
as in to specify
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the supervisor laid down the procedure for a complaint of sexual harassment
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4
as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress
commanded the surrounded troops to lay down their weapons
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lay down
Jayden was laying down by the front door to the apartment.
—
Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
State prosecutors have found that before laying down arms in 2016, the FARC had recruited nearly 19,000 minors over two decades.
—Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2025
In July 2020, on the brink of a major life change, English Teacher’s Lily Fontaine laid down a statement of purpose for the journey that lay ahead.
—Sophie Williams, Billboard, 8 May 2025
According to the detainee, her blood pressure was recorded at 156, after which she was given medication and told to lay down, said the newspaper.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
State prosecutors have found that before laying down arms in 2016, the FARC had recruited nearly 19,000 minors over two decades.
—Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2025
In July 2020, on the brink of a major life change, English Teacher’s Lily Fontaine laid down a statement of purpose for the journey that lay ahead.
—Sophie Williams, Billboard, 8 May 2025
According to the detainee, her blood pressure was recorded at 156, after which she was given medication and told to lay down, said the newspaper.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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The Trump administration hopes the plan will be enacted by July 4.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
-
House Republicans defended a bill that would enact sweeping tax cuts, raise the debt ceiling, and add restrictions to benefit programs during a heated marathon day of committee hearings on Capitol Hill.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Related article Kurdish separatist leader calls on followers to disarm, potentially ending a five-decade insurgency with Turkey In March, the PKK declared an immediate ceasefire after Ocalan called on fighters to lay down their arms and dissolve the group.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 May 2025
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In Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) declared Ozone Action Days for the San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Galveston, Dallas, and Fort Worth areas.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Verb
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The developer doesn’t specify any further system requirements.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
14 May 2025
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The man, whose cause of death wasn’t specified by prosecutors, was found next to his hospital bed with a charging cable around his neck, the indictment says.—
Julia Marnin,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2025
Verb
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In the end, Piastri was forced to relinquish second place too as his teammate Lando Norris swept past him on newer, faster tires once all the cars had bunched up at the end of the race behind the safety car.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
18 May 2025
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There are any number of reasons why owners may choose to relinquish a pet.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Graduates of the enhanced program still must pass an air traffic skills assessment and meet security and medical requirements, according to the FAA.—
Sarah Dewberry,
CNN Money,
12 May 2025
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For years, legislation allowing public school districts more calendar flexibility has passed in the state House but stalled in the Senate.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2025
Verb
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In response, two of Trump's senior officials made statements asserting that the message was a threat toward the president.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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Inspired by classic boom-bap production, lyrically, the track sees Young assert her agency in the bedroom with a new flame.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
16 May 2025
Verb
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The city is also the cradle of Puerto Rican salsa, the birthplace of the late ‘60s and ‘70s Latin music revolution defined by legends such as the Fania All Stars.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
20 May 2025
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Sentenced as a young adult to 60 years behind bars, Maurice’s story could have ended there, defined forever by one devastating moment.—
Elizabeth Hinton,
Hartford Courant,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Every explosion, landscape, and detail is rendered with breathtaking clarity, making your gaming sessions more immersive than ever.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
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This global sourcing approach, along with its main customer base focused in North America, renders Lowe’s susceptible to trade disruptions and tariffs.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20down. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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