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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However, Democrats warn the plan bypasses local voices and could set a precedent for removing land protections without consensus.
—
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
By leveraging technology and fostering public-private partnerships, the state aims to not only rebuild but also set a precedent for innovative disaster recovery strategies nationwide.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
—Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
This kind of attack would strike at the core of our democracy and set a precedent that threatens not only environmental groups but all kinds of charitable organizations, from neighborhood churches to disaster relief and medical research institutions.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 22 Apr. 2025
This set a precedent, which was followed by most presidents until the U.S. Constitution was changed via the 22nd Amendment in 1951.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
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Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
By leveraging technology and fostering public-private partnerships, the state aims to not only rebuild but also set a precedent for innovative disaster recovery strategies nationwide.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
—Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
This kind of attack would strike at the core of our democracy and set a precedent that threatens not only environmental groups but all kinds of charitable organizations, from neighborhood churches to disaster relief and medical research institutions.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 22 Apr. 2025
This set a precedent, which was followed by most presidents until the U.S. Constitution was changed via the 22nd Amendment in 1951.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 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 21 May. 2025.
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