set a precedent
idiom
: to decide something that will be used as an example or rule to be followed in the future
The ruling in the case is likely to set a precedent for how future cases are decided.
Examples of set a precedent in a Sentence
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The outcome could set a precedent for how New Hampshire courts weigh childhood abuse and mental health against the gravity of violent crimes committed by minors.
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Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
The case could set a precedent, both in India and globally, for how courts recognize the AI misuse of celebrity images.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
There also is the question of how tariffs would work on services, not actual goods, as such a levy would set a precedent.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
The first-of-its-kind use of the Congressional Review Act to challenge BLM management plans could set a precedent that lawmakers have the final say on those plans, which are drafted over years and require broad community and industry input.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2025
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Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
The case could set a precedent, both in India and globally, for how courts recognize the AI misuse of celebrity images.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
There also is the question of how tariffs would work on services, not actual goods, as such a levy would set a precedent.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
The first-of-its-kind use of the Congressional Review Act to challenge BLM management plans could set a precedent that lawmakers have the final say on those plans, which are drafted over years and require broad community and industry input.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set a precedent
Cite this Entry
“Set a precedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20a%20precedent. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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