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
Chubb is needed to set the pace on defense, and his ability to get after the quarterback will go a long way to shutting down Jackson's dual-threat capabilities.
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James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Melroy added that propulsion breakthroughs like the RDRE are going to set the pace for global space competition.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Friends look to you to set the pace as the moon and Venus harmonize.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Firms that adapt to this new reality will set the pace.
—Igor Fedulov, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
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James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Melroy added that propulsion breakthroughs like the RDRE are going to set the pace for global space competition.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Friends look to you to set the pace as the moon and Venus harmonize.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Firms that adapt to this new reality will set the pace.
—Igor Fedulov, Forbes.com, 27 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 8 Nov. 2025.
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