lay down

verb

Definition of lay downnext
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

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 lay down The new method dramatically reduced the setup process, giving them more time to remove the fire pit, lay down the foundation and assemble the pool. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026 For extra flair, grab a floral wreath for a pop of color, or lay down this area rug for a cozy vibe. — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 To celebrate, Gazza lay down on the grass and opened his mouth wide, imitating the dentist’s chair that had got him and his team-mates into so much bother a few weeks earlier. — The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 18 June 2026 With runners on first and third, Alex Freeland laid down a bunt to Rasmussen. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
  1. enact
  2. declare
  3. specify
  4. relinquish
  5. pass
  6. assert
  7. define
  8. render
Verb
  • Democratic socialists often instead cite countries in Scandinavia and Western Europe, which have socialist policies on universal healthcare, housing and higher wages enacted within democratic systems.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • Some states have enacted laws specifically targeting zappers.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of enact
Verb
  • In 2012, when Mark Walter and his partners bought the Dodgers, team president Stan Kasten declared mediocrity would no longer be acceptable.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • However, the polarizing trend has officially been declared *the* pants of summer 2026 thanks to celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
    — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of declare
Verb
  • Harry last saw his father in February 2024, shortly after it was announced that the monarch was undergoing treatment for cancer, though the palace never specified the type.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Health officials declined to identify the facilities or to specify reasons, other than saying that the long-term care industry opens facilities and increases or decreases beds based on business factors.
    — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Briscoe came out of the pits with the lead with 42 laps to go and never relinquished it despite a strong push from Bell.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2026
  • While relinquishing the lead that night, Chapman tied Wilhelm’s record.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of relinquish
Verb
  • San Luis Obispo passed from Spanish to Mexican rule after Mexico’s independence in 1821, and to American hands in 1848.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Still, Donovan said that the accomplishment of passing bipartisan housing affordability legislation with an overwhelming majority shouldn’t be downplayed.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of pass
Verb
  • Education advocates have asserted that California schools are legally entitled to billions more under state law.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Some researchers have asserted that agents need particular kinds of internal architectures to govern the relationships between senses, cognitive processes, actions, and needs.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 July 2026
Definition of assert
Verb
  • The 21st Century Road to Housing Act was a striking bipartisan win in a legislative body that has been defined by partisan gridlock.
    — Jack Harvel July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • This allows manufacturers to bypass spinning, weaving, cutting or sewing — the multistage process that has defined apparel manufacturing for centuries.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 July 2026
Definition of define
Verb
  • Kunpat said the three men were also dismissed before the completion of their nine-month employment contracts after the attack rendered the ship inoperable.
    — Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The decision was rendered Wednesday during a small claims hearing in the county Superior Court division.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
Definition of render

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lay by
lay down
layer
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Cite this Entry

“Lay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20down. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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