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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But Interview With the Vampire set a precedent for transformative TV from the Immortal Universe, its narrative and visual audacity subverting adaptation tropes and genre storytelling by challenging viewers’ notions of immortality, sexuality, and destiny.
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Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
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.
—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
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Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
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.
—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
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 29 Oct. 2025.
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