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
Relevance
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
Use this energy to reclaim your space, tend to your inner child, and lay down new roots that are built on integrity, not illusion.
—
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 21 Sep. 2025
Witnessing the Gallaghers lay down their arms to deliver one of rock music’s most triumphant comeback stories has made Shultz reflect on sharing his band — and life — with his brother, Brad.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Release the hostages and lay down your weapons—or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Now the Colts, who haven’t won a season opener since 2013, won’t just see those numbers and lay down.
—Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 21 Sep. 2025
Witnessing the Gallaghers lay down their arms to deliver one of rock music’s most triumphant comeback stories has made Shultz reflect on sharing his band — and life — with his brother, Brad.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Release the hostages and lay down your weapons—or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Now the Colts, who haven’t won a season opener since 2013, won’t just see those numbers and lay down.
—Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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In July, Louisiana enacted a similar drone law that gives law enforcement the authority to intercept and disable unauthorized drones that pose a public safety threat, with penalties up to a $5,000 fine or one year in jail.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, two states, Arizona and Hawaii, observe permanent standard time; however, 19 states have enacted legislation that would enact year-round daylight saving time if Congress were to allow such a change.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The fight was declared a no-contest as Aspinall struggled with his vision, prompting referee Jason Herzog to stop the bout.—
Antonio Losada,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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That time has passed, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor declared.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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By refusing to specify details of the case, the government keeps the possibility alive of changing their reasoning or their claims to have the same effect for different reasons—just as the mob changes its reasoning for killing Cinna.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
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The label doesn’t specify the thread count, but the sheets certainly felt soft and luxurious.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Robb Report,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Prior to his takeover, the sister pageants suffered some shakeups, most notably after the 2023 adult and junior winners, Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastav, relinquished their titles.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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This incident comes just days after Prince Andrew relinquished his remaining royal titles.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But Emery’s words about passing too quickly do bear resonance.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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New York has seen an uptick in new studio developments coinciding with the state passing sweeter production incentives in its latest budget earlier this year.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
24 Oct. 2025
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There are also forms of touch that are used to convey dominance or assert power, or to condescend or signal a superior role.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The fallout from all this has defined an especially dramatic week in Spanish football.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Its artistic yet pragmatic nature also defines Valladolid’s role as a place of discovery platform, a prestige auteurs’ hub just weeks after San Sebastián — and a bridge for awards-season exposure.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Jenner went with a cohesive look, pairing the light brown boots with a Fendi suit rendered in a rich chocolate hue.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
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That said, while each companion’s abilities bring something to the table, they get downed by enemies a lot, which renders their abilities unusable until they can be revived.—
Jason Fanelli,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2025.
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