LAYS DOWN Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

lays down

verb

present tense third-person singular of lay down

as in enacts

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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as in declares

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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as in specifies

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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as in relinquishes

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lays down

Verb

Trump quickly enacts a temporary 10% global levy using a different law.

— Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Undaunted, Demczur used his squeegee blade to carve a hole in the plaster so the men could kick through the wall to escape—a process Demczur re-enacts for the series.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of enacts

Verb

Following the interrupted hookup, Issa and Paul Baker decide to break up — and Issa declares a ban on future hookups between the housemates.

— Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2026
If the jury remains deadlocked and the judge declares a mistrial, what will happen to Lindsay Clancy?

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of declares

Verb

Before sending any money, make sure the document specifies the total settlement amount, when each payment is due and that satisfying those terms will resolve the remaining balance as agreed.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
The plan also specifies rezoning along major commercial corridors, including Winchester Boulevard and The Alameda.

— Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of specifies

Verb

Could this be the anarchic mind that emerges when the ego relinquishes its hold?

— Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026

Definition of relinquishes

Verb

Re-entry is not permitted for general admission ticket holders; VIP, Deluxe and Deluxe+ passes allow in-and-out privileges.

— Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Congress swiftly passes a resolution to uphold the civil rights of Muslims and Arabs, urging Americans to remain united.

— Reshma Memon Yaqub, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of passes

Verb

And in the process, Atlan asserts herself as a major director to watch.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar travelled to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, for the occasion that asserts a shift in Slovenia's policy toward Israel under the current right-wing Prime Minister Janez Jansa.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of asserts

Verb

This is a fitting enough point to wonder what goes into making a dynasty, or even what defines success.

— Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Football season, which Bank of America defines as September through February, has historically driven the biggest jump in new betting activity—first-time users grew 22% year-over-year during the 2025 season.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of defines

Verb

Deadheading can translate to more new growth and more blooms, but deadheading too late in the season renders the shrub vulnerable to winter damage.

— Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 2026
Compounded by the sudden passing of Lily’s grandfather—which renders her initial motivation to study Mandarin moot—these follies only deepen beneath a veil of complicated mourning.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of renders

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.

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lays by

lays down

lays eyes on

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“Lays down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lays%20down. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lays down

verb

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