set against
phrasal verb
set against; setting against; sets against
: feeling strongly that one does not want (something) or will not do (something)
Everyone was set against going.
He was dead set against the deal.
Examples of set against in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Glass balustrades, open treads, and brass strips that reflect light are set against a backdrop of reclaimed eucalyptus wood tiles.
—
Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 10 May 2024
The story of high school sweethearts Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) is a quintessential tale of teenage devotion set against the musical backdrop of the 1950s.
—Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 9 May 2024
The Giants return to Oracle Park on Friday night for a nine-game homestand, with three-game sets against the Cincinnati Reds, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Rockies again.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 8 May 2024
During their two-game weekend set against Idaho, more than 10,000 rowdy hockey fans packed into Cable Dahmer Arena.
—Zach Welch, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2024
The property's oceanfront restaurant, Mita Mary, highlights fresh seafood and local ingredients (don't miss the soft shell crab ravioli steamed in banana leaf) in an elegant dining room set against panoramic views of the Pacific.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2024
Neither project holds back harrowing details of death and torture, yet both romanticize the love story set against these circumstances.
—Amber Dowling, Variety, 2 May 2024
While Bing’s heartfelt lyrics consider life’s challenges and triumphs, the music itself blends melancholic tones with soft, soulful harmonies set against calming acoustics.
—Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 2 May 2024
The claim: Image shows 'rape is resistance' flyer distributed at Columbia protest
An April 22 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a person holding a flyer that includes text set against the Palestinian flag.
—Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024
Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 10 May 2024
The story of high school sweethearts Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) is a quintessential tale of teenage devotion set against the musical backdrop of the 1950s.
—Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 9 May 2024
The Giants return to Oracle Park on Friday night for a nine-game homestand, with three-game sets against the Cincinnati Reds, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Rockies again.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 8 May 2024
During their two-game weekend set against Idaho, more than 10,000 rowdy hockey fans packed into Cable Dahmer Arena.
—Zach Welch, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2024
The property's oceanfront restaurant, Mita Mary, highlights fresh seafood and local ingredients (don't miss the soft shell crab ravioli steamed in banana leaf) in an elegant dining room set against panoramic views of the Pacific.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2024
Neither project holds back harrowing details of death and torture, yet both romanticize the love story set against these circumstances.
—Amber Dowling, Variety, 2 May 2024
While Bing’s heartfelt lyrics consider life’s challenges and triumphs, the music itself blends melancholic tones with soft, soulful harmonies set against calming acoustics.
—Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 2 May 2024
The claim: Image shows 'rape is resistance' flyer distributed at Columbia protest
An April 22 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a person holding a flyer that includes text set against the Palestinian flag.
—Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set against.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near set against
Cite this Entry
“Set against.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20against. Accessed 14 May. 2024.
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