set (oneself) up as (something)
phrasal verb
set (oneself) up as (something); setting (oneself) up as (something); sets (oneself) up as (something)
1
: to try to make people believe that one is (something)
He sets himself up as a defender of the people, but he's really only interested in getting more power.
2
: to start one's own business
She set herself up as a wedding planner.
Examples of set (oneself) up as (something) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It could easily be set up as a guest house or in-law suite.
—
Clint Davis, People.com, 8 June 2025
Kammer had no idea Leake was now in Russia, and in their video calls, Kammer took note of his friend’s apartment, with its small kitchenette and an area set up as a makeshift recording studio.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
Given their status as two of SmackDown’s biggest stars, Orton and McIntyre both appear to be set up as potential WWE Championship challengers in the near future.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
After a quality rookie training camp performance, Wallace was set up as the third inside linebacker entering the season.
—Mike Kaye
july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for set (oneself) up as (something)
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Clint Davis, People.com, 8 June 2025
Kammer had no idea Leake was now in Russia, and in their video calls, Kammer took note of his friend’s apartment, with its small kitchenette and an area set up as a makeshift recording studio.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
Given their status as two of SmackDown’s biggest stars, Orton and McIntyre both appear to be set up as potential WWE Championship challengers in the near future.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
After a quality rookie training camp performance, Wallace was set up as the third inside linebacker entering the season.
—Mike Kaye
july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for set (oneself) up as (something)
Cite this Entry
“Set (oneself) up as (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20%28oneself%29%20up%20as%20%28something%29. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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