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

Verb

The nose offers aromas of caramel, vanilla, and toffee, set against a pronounced baking spice, citrus zest, and an herbal-minty rye character. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Then on Wednesday, a different group descended on the Palais for what appears to be an even more explosive scene set against the chaos of the festival’s closing night. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 May 2026

The losing streak ties a season high set against the two Chicago teams April 28-May 2. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026

The cinematic installation pays homage to the metropolitan spirit, set against the craftsmanship of Blazy’s collection. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 27 May 2026

Rhymes for dead set

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