1
as in enacting
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 declaring
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 specifying
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 relinquishing
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laying down
Verb
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In response, Congress expanded federal power by enacting the Ku Klux Klan Acts of 1870 and 1871.
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Japan is enacting its most significant security policy shift since 1954, transitioning from a narrowly defensive posture to robust deterrence.
Verb
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The three main types of non-compliance in labeling included fiber percentages not matching the actual material makeup, items containing different or cheaper fibers than those listed on the label, or simply incorrectly declaring or naming fibers on labeling.
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Individuals who may have spent years defining themselves through crime are publicly declaring a new direction in their lives.
Verb
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However, Polestar will continue supporting US drivers of its EVs without specifying for how long.
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On June 11, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement specifying that Mexican authorities had not contacted them about the tip or the search efforts, but saying the investigation was still ongoing.
Verb
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Iran also demanded in early April the right to collect tolls as a precondition for relinquishing its chokehold on the strait.
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In 2023, ten years after relinquishing the kneeling figures, the Met gave a further 14 items from its collection back to Cambodia.
Verb
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However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
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Rather than moving directly to their new institution, many spend days or weeks passing through federal transfer centers and local detention facilities before reaching their final destination.
Verb
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Legal expert Richard Schoenstein said by asserting the psychiatric defense, Mangione would effectively admit to killing Thompson with mitigating circumstances.
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The pair defended the measure’s stricter voting thresholds as a necessary check on government power, asserting that taxpayers deserve the ultimate say at the ballot box before taking on new financial burdens.
Verb
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Look for flattering lengths, breathable fabrics, and waist-defining details.
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The last week has seen frenzy spill over for what will be an era-defining, royal-level wedding.
Verb
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This lack of competition has stunted the organizational capacity of both the Democratic and Republican Parties, rendering them hollow and unable to cultivate, train, or support a pipeline of young candidates.
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Officers found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately began rendering aid.
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Cite this Entry
“Laying down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laying%20down. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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