set the pace

idiom

: to be the one that is at the front in a race and that controls how fast the other racers have to go
often used figuratively
The company's advanced equipment sets the pace for the recording industry.

Examples of set the pace in a Sentence

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The Tigers will aim to showcase their offensive firepower early, leaning on returning playmakers and speed at the skill positions to set the pace. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025 Firms that adapt to this new reality will set the pace. Igor Fedulov, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 The leaders who recognize this sooner rather than later will set the pace for the future of their industries. Michael Coscetta, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025 In the South Bay, Morgan Hill is expected to set the pace at 96 degrees on Wednesday and 94 on Thursday, according to adjusted forecast numbers put out by the weather service Tuesday morning. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for set the pace

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Cite this Entry

“Set the pace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20pace. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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