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 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 The official spoke on the condition anonymity on ground rules set by the White House. — CBS News, 13 June 2026 Bills were introduced in Springfield over the spring to impose ground rules on data center development. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 The official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity on ground rules set by the White House, said Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war. — Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rules
  1. rules
  2. regulations
  3. laws
  4. codes
Noun
  • The question for several speakers was not necessarily whether data centers should exist in Marietta, but what rules should govern them.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • New federal rules are creating issues for states The federal rules in question were first proposed last year and were finalized in May.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of rules
Noun
  • In neighboring New Jersey, new regulations require e-bike riders to be at least 15 and obtain a license and vehicle registration.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • What happens there remains to be seen but, even if the EFL sees off that legal threat, this is far from the end of the organisation’s work on financial regulations — especially in the bottom two divisions.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of regulations
Noun
  • Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has repeatedly said the administration is working to establish conditions under which girls and women can attend classrooms or university campuses in line with Islamic Sharia laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • With the inconspicuous glasses, however, that assumption becomes much harder to make—meaning privacy and consent laws can potentially be invoked.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of laws
Noun
  • But the number of deaths has fallen thanks to improved forecasting, early-warning systems, and building codes.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • To make something cool involves an uncool process of zoning permits, building codes, and cash withdrawals.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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