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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lay down
This Dolphins team need to show fight the rest of this practice and not lay down.
—
Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
There was the sheer cost of port to contend with, and the fact that most people, even the very wealthy, did not have the space or the inclination to lay down an entire lifetime’s worth of port.
—Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Mayer, the former pop idol turned jam-band icon, was at the heart of all of it, laying down one blistering run after another on his guitar and staying on the hunt for cool new ways to bring the music to life.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
Fermin laid down his fifth bunt hit of the season in yesterday’s third inning.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
There was the sheer cost of port to contend with, and the fact that most people, even the very wealthy, did not have the space or the inclination to lay down an entire lifetime’s worth of port.
—Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Mayer, the former pop idol turned jam-band icon, was at the heart of all of it, laying down one blistering run after another on his guitar and staying on the hunt for cool new ways to bring the music to life.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
Fermin laid down his fifth bunt hit of the season in yesterday’s third inning.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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To enact these changes, a multi-pronged approach is being used.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Among the first to grapple with the cumulative impacts of warehousing, which stretch far beyond diesel particulate matter and other air pollutants, are communities covered by Assembly Bill 617, enacted in 2017.—
Gregg Macey,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Question: Currently, two warning labels are mandated for alcohol, one stating that alcohol can lead to birth defects when consumed by women who are pregnant and secondly, a label that declares that drinking impairs one’s ability to drive a car.—
Gary Stern,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Friday has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv, according to city authorities.—
Svitlana Vlasova,
CNN Money,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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While the state planner didn’t specify which part of the sector needs moderation, investment has been particularly pronounced globally in constructing datacenters that underpin AI development.—
Bloomberg,
Fortune,
29 Aug. 2025
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Noem did not specify how the employees failed to implement proper security procedures, but said no Americans were directly affected.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Jones is not relinquishing his strong negotiating position Jones and Parsons would meet in March to discuss the linebacker’s role on the team going forward.—
Steve Silverman,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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While a strong federal government may be central to the Democratic Party's identity, maintaining that objective likely requires relinquishing control from the capital and encouraging state politicos to explore new ways to achieve success.—
Alex J. Rouhandeh,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Still, the city has been passed through multiple hands of power, also being conquered by the Serbians, Hungarians, Bosnians, Venetians, French, Austrians and Yugoslavians.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
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In 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass a law recognizing a Labor Day holiday, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.—
AZCentral.com,
AZCentral.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Grant and family estate assert right to ownership Even if Nashville Church of Christ’s ministries are legitimate, Grant and Burton argue the activity is not a proper use of the property according to its deed.—
Liam Adams,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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In this case, multiple students falsely asserted there isn’t any federal legislation to help victims of nude deepfakes — even though the Take It Down Act became law in May.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN Money,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In a sport often defined by early prodigies and immediate stars, his story is refreshingly different.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Shane Bieber was always the acquisition that would define the Toronto Blue Jays’ trade deadline.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The gauzy, dark concerts from (famously) Nirvana, Sinéad O’Connor, and Alicia Keys render the operatic intimate, and highlight good tunes in a way stadium polish just can’t.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
22 Aug. 2025
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Kobel said a nurse and doctor affiliated with MUSC Health University Medical Center quickly rendered aid, ensuring the best outcome.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20down. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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