1
as in to enact
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 to declare
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 to specify
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 to relinquish
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
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Recent Examples of lay down
Grande got there and then laid down an UNO reverse.
—
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025
When left untreated, the body often reacts by laying down scar tissue around the material.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
The proper scope of such injunctions has been a recurring issue, and the government’s new filing floats that the Supreme Court could choose to immediately take up the new case to lay down the ground rules for lower judges.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
His great-grandfather, George Blaney, laid down the foundations, while his grandfather Lou claimed over 600 race victories.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lay down 
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025
When left untreated, the body often reacts by laying down scar tissue around the material.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
The proper scope of such injunctions has been a recurring issue, and the government’s new filing floats that the Supreme Court could choose to immediately take up the new case to lay down the ground rules for lower judges.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
His great-grandfather, George Blaney, laid down the foundations, while his grandfather Lou claimed over 600 race victories.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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At least eight states — California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia — have enacted measures banning or restricting students’ use of cellphones in schools.—
Andrew Demillo,
The Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2025
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As hinted at throughout the season, Hagan plans to enact an isolationist foreign policy from the Oval Office, meaning the price for information and intelligence will skyrocket.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
TIME,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Donald Trump wants to declare Mexican cartels terrorist organizations as a way to exert maximum pressure on the country to stop dangerous drug trafficking.—
Anna Lagos,
WIRED,
24 Jan. 2025
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Trump has issued executive orders to limit birthright citizenship, declaring a national emergency at the southwest border, and instructing border agents to summarily deport asylum-seeking migrants without granting them a hearing.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The city’s current law only specifies dog, cat or rabbit.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2025
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Rogerson and Barden said the insurance company deemed the truck too far gone and paid out a claim, but the pair did not specify the amount.—
Graeme Taskerud,
The Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Chiefs wouldn’t relinquish the lead the rest of the game.—
Zak Keefer,
The Athletic,
19 Jan. 2025
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And, to access the program, a parent must relinquish custody of his or her child to the state — a requirement many parents find inhumane.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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On Thursday, the House passed the Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan measure that's intended to help prevent catastrophic wildfires and provide proper forest management as California continues.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
24 Jan. 2025
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Watson said outside court that their dossier of information would be passed to authorities.—
Lauren Said-Moorhouse,
CNN,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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However, students have consistently rejected direct talks with Vučić, asserting that he is not constitutionally authorized to engage with them.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
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In particular, this season shows Messer continuing to be at odds with Ali when the 15-year-old, who lives with Titin Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy, tries to assert more independence without mobility aids.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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With a Republican trifecta, conservatives have a unique opportunity to define what pro-family and pro-life governance truly means.—
Daniel Darling,
National Review,
20 Jan. 2025
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Each is defined by bold color choices and original architectural elements for the perfect blend of old and new.—
Jessica Macdonald,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Currently referred to as the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, this branch of the IRS listens to and weights taxpayer arguments and renders a decision that aims to be fair and impartial to both the government and the taxpayer.—
Matthew Roberts,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments last year, but hasn’t rendered a decision.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
20 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20down. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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