ground rule

noun

Definition of ground rulenext
as in rule
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 rule 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 See All Example Sentences for ground rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ground rule
  1. rule
  2. regulation
  3. code
  4. law
Noun
  • Voters in six states will soon decide whether to impose or expand voter identification requirements, including rules requiring mail voters to provide part of a driver’s license or Social Security number.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Some states, however, have chosen not to adopt the federal rule because of concerns about near-term revenue losses.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • The Red Wings lost in regulation for the first time in seven games.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The action also comes as the president has sought to dismantle clean air policies, endangered species protections and other landmark environmental regulations that have long drawn the ire of industry and fossil fuel producers.
    — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of regulation
Noun
  • Thinking that writing code was the only bottleneck for deploying new software is like the Titanic seeing the tip of the iceberg and assuming there was nothing underneath it.
    — Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Smith also explained what would happen if a legal challenge ultimately failed, including continuity arrangements with European partners and backup copies of Microsoft’s code held in Switzerland.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of code
Noun
  • Florida law imposes limits on direct contributions to state candidates but generally allows political committees to accept unlimited contributions, subject to applicable reporting and other legal requirements.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Twenty-seven states — including all where Republicans control both the legislature and governor’s office — already have such laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of law

Browse Nearby Words

ground plans
ground rule
ground rules
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Cite this Entry

“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ground%20rule. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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