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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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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lay down
Two innings later, Friedl — who singled and was caught stealing in the first, homered in the second and singled in the fourth before his gaffe — laid down a perfect bunt for a base hit with a runner on, then scored on Elly De La Cruz’s single, giving the Reds a four-run cushion.
—
C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Similarly, his speech about gun violence and racial equity at Charleston, S.C.,’s Mother Emanuel Church laid down the 2020 campaign’s high-water mark for civil rights discourse.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
Nine suspensions and hefty fines were laid down after a giant brawl broke out between Jackson State and Prairie View A&M during a college baseball game in Texas this past weekend.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, its dense bristles pick up and lay down makeup products with ease.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Similarly, his speech about gun violence and racial equity at Charleston, S.C.,’s Mother Emanuel Church laid down the 2020 campaign’s high-water mark for civil rights discourse.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
Nine suspensions and hefty fines were laid down after a giant brawl broke out between Jackson State and Prairie View A&M during a college baseball game in Texas this past weekend.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, its dense bristles pick up and lay down makeup products with ease.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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Market conditioned to rally We’ve been conditioned, since 1987, to expect market panics and crashes to be relatively short-lived and reversed by policy actions enacted by both the federal government and the Federal Reserve.—
Ron Insana,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2025
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After Nixon was named a first-team All-Pro for his kick-return prowess in both 2022 and 2023, the NFL enacted a rule change that moved touchbacks from the 25-yard line to the 30 for the 2024 season.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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What was a eulogy if not a last chance to declare thoughts and feelings that have been withheld?—
David Bezmozgis,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
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On Saturday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, citing potentially record rainfall in areas unaccustomed to flooding.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
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The bill also gives the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services various requirements, including those to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The New York congresswoman had relinquished her No. 4 leadership slot as House Republican Conference Chair since she had been named Trump’s UN pick, and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) was elected in her place.—
Emily Brooks,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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Because these behavioral issues are not dissected, addressed or asked about during vet visits, many people relinquish their dogs to animal shelters.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The complete range of passing, a penchant to put his foot in when required and capable of jaw-dropping goals — Alonso had it all.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
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Furthermore, corporate earnings could be reduced if companies are unable or unwilling to pass along the full price increase.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Plaintiffs’ counsel offered a brief rationale in their motion to approve the deal, asserting that the CFP is an affiliated entity of the defendants, which include the NCAA and the quintet of athletic conferences formerly known as the Power Five.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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Indeed, numerous Israeli political leaders express sympathy for Palestinians and assert that Israelis can only be secure when Palestinians are free.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As usual, there are trendy bikinis and swimsuits that always ask for space in our closet, little tops meant to save us from the rising temperatures, and the kind of light floral dresses and skirts that define the season.—
Marilú Almaguer,
Glamour,
2 Apr. 2025
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Wall Street defines a correction as a drop of 10% from a recent high.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Yes, in 2025 there is no shortage of digital apps, planners and workspaces to render conventional notebooks obsolete – but a quick visit to any stationery store will prove that there's strong support for the physical versions.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Apr. 2025
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If a child has an ITIN number, they're rendered ineligible for the Child Tax Credit.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2025.
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