dead set

1 of 2

phrase

: firmly determined

The mayor was dead set against[=strongly opposed to] the plan.

She was dead set on[=completely certain about] going to college.

set against

2 of 2

verb

set against; setting against; sets against

: feeling strongly that one does not want (something) or will not do (something)

Everyone was set against going.

He was dead set against the deal.

Examples of dead set in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

The Offspring are dead set on making history — in a rather unusual way. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026

Leo is dead set against the likes of angels. — Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026

Verb

Washington also scored 23 against the New York Mets on April 30, 2017 — two fewer than the club record set against the Mets on July 31, 2018. — ABC News, 18 July 2026

Vibrant blooms set against a dark background give this Vince Camuto dress both instant drama and a summery feel. — Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

Rhymes for dead set

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette