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
Recent Examples on the Web
Disney late last year set a precedent for Paramount to follow.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 July 2025
Tehran has set a precedent for using cyber methods to retaliate against Washington.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 24 June 2025
This move, spurred in part by rulings by the organization that constrained U.S. trade policy, set a precedent.
—Michael L. Ross, Foreign Affairs, 12 June 2025
And should Kennedy’s new vaccine team openly discard HPV doses primarily for the sake of dropping a shot, that could set a precedent—for removing other vaccines from the schedule, in part or entirely.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 19 June 2025
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Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 July 2025
Tehran has set a precedent for using cyber methods to retaliate against Washington.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 24 June 2025
This move, spurred in part by rulings by the organization that constrained U.S. trade policy, set a precedent.
—Michael L. Ross, Foreign Affairs, 12 June 2025
And should Kennedy’s new vaccine team openly discard HPV doses primarily for the sake of dropping a shot, that could set a precedent—for removing other vaccines from the schedule, in part or entirely.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 19 June 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 15 Jul. 2025.
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