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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 lay down
Hezbollah was obliged to drop its insistence on a ceasefire in Gaza in return for laying down its arms.
—
Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Nov. 2024
Just lay down, put your hip down there and lay in a circle.
—Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024
There are a variety of scissoring positions that work best for different people: the classic facing away from each other and crossing legs (like a pair of scissors), one person straddling their partner while the other person lays down, sitting in each other's laps with your legs crossed, and so on.
—Adejoke Mason, Them, 3 Dec. 2024
Speaking to Eurogamer, many CDPR developers and executives have started laying down the strategy behind the upcoming game's development.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lay down 
Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Nov. 2024
Just lay down, put your hip down there and lay in a circle.
—Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024
There are a variety of scissoring positions that work best for different people: the classic facing away from each other and crossing legs (like a pair of scissors), one person straddling their partner while the other person lays down, sitting in each other's laps with your legs crossed, and so on.
—Adejoke Mason, Them, 3 Dec. 2024
Speaking to Eurogamer, many CDPR developers and executives have started laying down the strategy behind the upcoming game's development.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
-
Though most states have enacted laws aimed at curbing hazing with tougher penalties or some sort of public reporting system, the rules are uneven.arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 26 Dec. 2024
-
Ultimately, the program was enacted by the legislature.April Rubin, Axios, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Compounders face deadlines, with some exceptions The FDA initially declared the tirzepatide shortage over in October.Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
-
But in 2023, the group celebrated a groundbreaking victory in Montana, the first time a court in the U.S. declared that a government had a constitutional responsibility to protect people from climate change.Amy Green, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Unless specified, exact release dates are yet to be revealed.Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024
-
Target did not specify when the stores would be opening when asked by USA TODAY.Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
What's New The City of Phoenix is negotiating with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to relinquish part of its Colorado River water allocation in exchange for up to $300 million.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
-
On December 10, 1936, King Edward signed the Instrument of Abdication, officially beginning the process of stepping down from the throne and relinquishing its privileges.Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Edwards says that regular tea bags are unlikely to make an enjoyable second cup of tea, but pyramid tea bags—larger, triangular bags that allow for more water to pass through the tea—may yield a few good cups of tea.Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2024
-
Elton John, Slash, Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Harrison, and David Crosby are just a few of the big names who pass through on the star-studded Under the Red Sky, rarely making recognizable or worthwhile contributions to a set of songs that frequently reference nursery rhymes.Al Shipley, SPIN, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Many Mexican business leaders assert that their companies are positioned to thrive during another Trump administration.Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024
-
Business titan Elon Musk asserted that the U.S. needs a significant stockpile of hypersonic missiles and long-range air and sea drones.Alex Nitzberg, Fox News, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Should there be laws about how AI purposes are defined, instilled, maintained, and overhauled (see my analysis of the legal facets of AI, at the link here)?Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
-
Human technology and art are two institutions that are defined by their ability to surprise us.C. Brandon Ogbunu, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Recent shows have typically encouraged viewers to root for the women at their center: HBO’s House of the Dragon renders its central former friends turned sworn enemies as tragic, not malicious.Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2024
-
Initially hopeful for a recovery and return to racing, the extent and persistence of his injuries rendered that aspiration unattainable.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to lay down
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Thesaurus Entries Near lay down
Cite this Entry
“Lay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20down. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share