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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of lay down
How does all that dirt get laid down and extracted when racing is over in just a matter of a few days?
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Maury Brown, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
For founders thinking about legacy and endurance, this approach lays down roots and builds something that keeps its shape over time, for the people who trust it to stick around.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Consider laying down extra washable rugs, like hallway runners, in the winter to make cleaning them easier and keep feet warmer.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
The fundamentals had been laid down by the likes of 1996’s Tomb Raider and Quake.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lay down 
Maury Brown, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
For founders thinking about legacy and endurance, this approach lays down roots and builds something that keeps its shape over time, for the people who trust it to stick around.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Consider laying down extra washable rugs, like hallway runners, in the winter to make cleaning them easier and keep feet warmer.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
The fundamentals had been laid down by the likes of 1996’s Tomb Raider and Quake.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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The quick take is that a Trump administration, working with a Republican Congress, should be able to enact policies that will foster a new burst of economic growth.Jill Schlesinger, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
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The act required that before any tax or fee is enacted, politicians must clearly outline how revenues would be spent.K. Lloyd Billingsley, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The virus’ spread prompted the World Health Organization in August to declare a public health emergency of international concern, particularly as the virus spread to several other neighboring countries in Africa.Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
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Despite my reservations about another one-on-one hang after declaring group hangs my thing post-Timeleft, spending time with Ariana was effortless and renewed my hope for the apps.Allie Volpe, Vox, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Apple specifies that this release is about security though there will be bugs being squished as well.David Phelan, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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However, the application did not specify where filming would take place in the Queen City.Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Agustín Arteaga, who has led the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) since 2016, will relinquish the role of director there on December 31.News Desk, Artforum, 5 Nov. 2024
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Gang plays Cheon-young, a commoner who is enslaved but never relinquishes his dignity.Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Since your hand is a minimum and an 11-trick club game is far away, pass.Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
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Sometime later, a passing pipeline company worker pulled the vehicle from the ditch.Ryan J. Foley, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Turning her childhood bedroom into a zone of maximal coziness—including, recently, with the addition of a white Aeron chair—was a way of asserting control.Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024
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The Final Two Pockets Of Spending Are Hidden From View Economists have long asserted that soaring premiums suppress wage growth.Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The companies that recognize the strategic importance of data today will define the industries of tomorrow.Gaurav Aggarwal, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
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Creating characters who aren't defined by their size but aren't asked to ignore it either.Allen Zadoff, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
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With a blue cover and a simple tricolor stripe running below the author’s name, rendered in an elegant script, the book recalls the Library of America collection.Oscar Schwartz, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2024
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Three men dressed in black cut the power to John's estate before entering his bedroom and rendering him unconscious.Matt Cabral, EW.com, 25 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Lay down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20down. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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