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
Recent Examples on the Web
Friends look to you to set the pace as the moon and Venus harmonize.
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Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
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Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
Cite this Entry
“Set the pace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20pace. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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