ground rules

noun

plural of ground rule
as in rules
a statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity before the debate begins, let's lay out some ground rules

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ground rules Representatives of Bonta and Paramount Skydance came together late last week to set ground rules for Monday’s meeting, which was to involve Paramount Skydance Chief Executive David Ellison. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Resident Nancy Clifton-Hawkins was an amazing moderator who quickly laid out the goals and ground rules. — Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2026 Consider the 2012 General Agreement in Colombia, which established guidelines for future negotiations, an agenda, and ground rules that gave the talks structure and stability. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 To control the dangerous unfettered use of magic, an oversight council established ground rules on what is considered forbidden magic and the knowledge of its existence. — Kalai Chik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 New York state set a one-year pause on building AI data centers to establish some ground rules. — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 23 July 2026 Tips for Getting Along With Your In-Laws Some in-laws are harder to deal with than others, and some are flat-out impossible, but experts agree that most relationships can flourish when certain ground rules apply. — Margaret Renkl, Parents, 23 July 2026 Should couples set spending ground rules before moving in together? — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026 So, start with laying down some ground rules everyone can agree to. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
  1. rules
  2. regulations
  3. laws
  4. codes
Noun
  • The new rules mandated that referees stop play for a ten-minute hydration break that allows players to drink fluids, change clothes, or shower in their locker room.
    — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Local authorities say rules have been set by US authorities barring personnel from visiting cannabis dispensaries and taking part in watersports including jet skiing and parasailing.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of rules
Noun
  • At the new packaging coalition, one lobbyist is Rachel Wagoner, the former head of CalRecycle, who helped draft, negotiate and usher in the regulations for the single-use plastics bill.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • While calling for additional regulations involving e-bikes, the chief also returned to the scene to personally thank those who helped rescue the woman.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of regulations
Noun
  • The state agency oversees the facility’s air and water quality permits and compliance with environmental waste laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Johnson has repeatedly spoken out about how Missouri’s gun laws have hampered prosecuting the case, after two of the men charged in the shooting received plea agreements.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of laws
Noun
  • Flock Safety announced some changes to its policies in mid-August after reports of misuse, including requiring officers to enter specific codes.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Ballot envelopes would have to comply with new Postal Service rules and include bar codes.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of codes

Browse Nearby Words

ground rule
ground rules
grounds
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Cite this Entry

“Ground rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rules. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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