Synonyms of lay down

lay down

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enact
• pass
• constitute
• approve
• legislate
• make
• bring about
• dictate
• ordain
• effect
• permit
• authorize
• ratify
• sanction
• proclaim
• reenact
• execute
• repass
• decree
• confirm
• allow
• administer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repeal
• revoke
• kill
• rescind
• cancel
• invalidate
• abolish
• reverse
• nullify
• void
• annul
• abrogate
• overturn

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• declare
• assert
• profess
• proclaim
• say
• announce
• affirm
• explain
• guarantee
• justify
• aver
• promote
• advertise
• defend
• avow
• avouch
• stress
• pronounce
• emphasize
• advance
• uphold
• convince
• assure
• publicize
• accent
• plug
• boost
• underline
• underscore
• advocate
• blaze
• support
• persuade
• call
• accentuate
• rationalize
• espouse
• reaffirm
• reassert
• champion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimize
• ignore
• disregard
• neglect
• overlook
• understate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• specify
• define
• direct
• prescribe
• order
• dictate
• arrange
• tell
• select
• set
• choose
• assign
• instruct
• control
• require
• force
• conduct
• decree
• manage
• bid
• govern
• lead
• fix
• settle
• charge
• coerce
• compel
• ordain
• constrain
• enjoin
• command
• adjure
• obligate
• oblige

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relinquish
• render
• surrender
• deliver
• turn in
• turn over
• hand over
• cough up
• yield
• give up
• transfer
• abandon
• cede
• resign
• commit
• waive
• release
• part (with)
• entrust
• forfeit
• consign
• discard
• shed
• desert
• renounce
• forsake
• abnegate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• keep
• retain
• withhold

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lay down

The vets drank it, put on blindfolds to shut out distractions, and lay down. — Anderson Cooper, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Hall wrote in his report that Hamilton lay down in the backseat of the police vehicle, moaning and not responding, prompting first responders to give him Narcan. — Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026

To prevent them from eating it, lay down a thin layer of straw. — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026

Grimaldi posted a video on her Instagram in which her family of three lay down together on a lakeside dock. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Video

Lay vs. Lie

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.