set aside

1 of 2

phrase

1

: to put to one side : discard

2

: to reserve for a purpose : save

3

: dismiss

4

: annul, overrule

set-aside

2 of 2

noun

ˈset-ə-ˌsīd 

1

: something (such as a portion of receipts or production) that is set aside for a specified purpose

2

: a program requiring a percentage of opportunities (as for jobs or funding) to be reserved for an underrepresented group

Examples of set aside in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Germany set aside three hundred million euros to develop Ukraine’s deep-strike capabilities; the Netherlands pledged five hundred million euros for Ukraine’s drones and other weapons. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 15 July 2026

Hiring managers then set aside dates to screen applications, conduct interviews and oversee live scan fingerprinting. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Noun

All of these efforts would be backed by set-aside financing, ensuring that the city would put its money where its mouth is. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026

Density bonuses should require clear, enforceable community returns, especially affordable housing set-asides. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for set aside

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Legal Definition

set aside

transitive verb

1

: to disagree with and overturn (a decision or act of a lower tribunal) upon review : overrule, vacate

set aside the decree

2

: to deprive of legal effect or force : annul, void

may set aside the contract