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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lay down
Across the Americas, an increasing number of luxury resorts and ranches have laid down lavish tented camps and started offering wildlife-spotting and wilderness activities that bring their surroundings to life in vivid, unforgettable fashion.
—
Jake Emen, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
Clean your work area: The dye found in tie-dye kits can easily stain tabletops and furniture, so take the kit outside or prepare your area by laying down newspaper or plastic bags.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
The winner of the Godolphin Mile in April in Dubai broke on top and laid down modest fractions through the start of the race, leaving him plenty of gas for the race’s finish.
—John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
In a May 2022 op-ed in the New York Times, Felix laid down the gauntlet with Nike, exposing the fractious negotiations over an extension of her endorsement contract with the company.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Jake Emen, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
Clean your work area: The dye found in tie-dye kits can easily stain tabletops and furniture, so take the kit outside or prepare your area by laying down newspaper or plastic bags.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
The winner of the Godolphin Mile in April in Dubai broke on top and laid down modest fractions through the start of the race, leaving him plenty of gas for the race’s finish.
—John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
In a May 2022 op-ed in the New York Times, Felix laid down the gauntlet with Nike, exposing the fractious negotiations over an extension of her endorsement contract with the company.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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But this is the most restrictive outdoor ban ever to be enacted.—
Eleanor Beardsley,
NPR,
30 June 2025
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Another bill that would have authorized Gov. Ned Lamont to enact a bear hunt in Connecticut based on a future recommendation from DEEP also died on the Senate calendar earlier this month.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
30 June 2025
Verb
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The driver of the Pathfinder was declared dead just before 2 p.m. The other two drivers were taken to hospitals with unspecified injuries, according to the release.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
28 June 2025
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Jariwala was transported from her home in Andheri to a hospital, where she was declared dead by the doctors, Mumbai police told ANI, which reported that police received information about her death at around 1 a.m. local time.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military also struck the headquarters of Iran's internal security forces, without specifying the agency or location.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 June 2025
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Two men were arrested before this week’s announcement, and the status of the four others wasn’t specified.—
Bay Area News Group,
Mercury News,
19 June 2025
Verb
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Do it, talk to each other, ask questions, reach out to members, and remember that no one has ever relinquished power willingly, even for things as small as better hours, or more holiday time.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
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Jean-Baptiste Voisin, chief strategy officer at LVMH, relinquished his responsibilities as head of LVMH Métiers d’Art and will now take on leadership of LVMH Media Research and Brand Image teams, previously helmed by Mathilde Delhoume, who is also taking on new responsibilities.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
23 June 2025
Verb
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The Atlantic storms list for 2025, for instance, specifies that Andrea and Barry are next in line, the same names of storms that last passed through the Atlantic in 2019.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
29 June 2025
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Wine and beer are complimentary at lunch and dinner and are often paired with the entrees to reflect the region the cruise was passing through.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2025
Verb
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America asserted its position, secured a partner through alignment against common rivals, and laid the groundwork for its emergence as a global superpower.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2025
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Bayern asserted their dominance over Group C by thrashing Auckland City in their Club World Cup opener 10-0.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
Verb
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Norton has long championed legislation to grant the District of Columbia full congressional representation and greater autonomy, a cause that has defined much of her tenure in the House.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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Paul Guerlain, the grandson of Jean-Paul Guerlain, although not affiliated with the Guerlain brand, represents the next generation committed to upholding the values that have defined the maison for centuries.—
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Agriculture technology with 3d rendering robot assistant in indoor farm or glasshouse.—
Gabriel Snyder,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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Last season also offered up so many reminders that the Mets are liable to render all this hand-wringing and historical perspective moot by late October or early November.—
Jerry Beach,
Forbes.com,
25 June 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 3 Jul. 2025.
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