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
Surprisingly, Springsteen recorded this album concurrently with 1995's The Ghost of Tom Joad, laying down cuts for Joad during daylight hours and Nashville at night.
—
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 June 2025
This cooling mat activates instantly when your dog or cat lays down, using breathable fabric and gel-free technology to provide relief.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
Moore, whose family moved around a lot before laying down some roots in hockey-mad Toronto, gave his own self-scout.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 June 2025
Think of it as slowly laying down one small act of connection at a time.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 June 2025
This cooling mat activates instantly when your dog or cat lays down, using breathable fabric and gel-free technology to provide relief.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
Moore, whose family moved around a lot before laying down some roots in hockey-mad Toronto, gave his own self-scout.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 June 2025
Think of it as slowly laying down one small act of connection at a time.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay down
Verb
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In part, Merriman says, because of Beijing enacting tougher environmental regulations at home in 2015, regulations that pushed Chinese firms to set up shop with local partners next door.—
Michael Sullivan,
NPR,
12 July 2025
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Meanwhile, deep tax cuts enacted in 2023 with subsequent cuts each year have had a limited impact on growth, O’Leary said, while reducing state revenue.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Exceeding the authority The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in May that Trump had exceeded his authority by declaring an emergency to impose tariffs without congressional approval.—
Mauricio Savarese,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
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Just how confident is Vandy? Pavia last month called out Alabama on a national podcast, declaring the Commodores have the talent to beat the Tide again.—
Matt Hayes,
The Tennessean,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The policy specifies that the improvements in part will help contribute to and enhance downtown real estate and expand the local tax base as well as the employment base.—
Linda Girardi,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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The post did not specify which type of aircraft were involved.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Verb
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This often dampens enthusiasm, and indeed, the stock relinquished some of its gains in after-hours trading.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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The residence was purchased in the 1970s for just $900,000 by the late radio concert promoter and radio station magnate Ken Roberts, who wound up relinquishing it to the financial services firm New Stream Capital in 2010 to settle a $27.5 million legal claim.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
15 July 2025
Verb
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The four-mile trail passes through groves of Great Basin bristlecone pines, with trunks weathered by centuries of snow and sun.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
11 July 2025
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In contrast, a green placard means a restaurant passed inspection.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
Updated July 11,
Sacbee.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Acrobatics & tumbling asserts its athletic diversity, drawing on a wide range of strengths from its participants.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
14 July 2025
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In his letter, Donovan asserted that the Chiefs had submitted a proposal to the state and received no response for six weeks — a claim Kelly administration officials dispute.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Betts spent the All-Star break — his first healthy break when he wasn’t named an All-Star since 2015 — back in the Nashville, Tenn., area, working out at a facility and continuing his deluge of swings that have defined his season.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
20 July 2025
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Among moderate caffeine users—defined as consuming less than 400 milligrams (mg) per day—the increase tends to be relatively small.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
19 July 2025
Verb
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Overwatering reduces oxygen in the soil, which damages fine roots and renders the plant unable to take up water.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
18 July 2025
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No one else was hurt, the sheriff said, and the bomb squad has rendered the scene safe.—
Alex Stone,
ABC News,
18 July 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 22 Jul. 2025.
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