set an example

idiom

: to behave in a way that shows other people how to behave
It's up to you to set an example.

Examples of set an example in a Sentence

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Their willingness to put themselves on the line to highlight the current assault on our democracy has set an example for what all of us have to do. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025 To make this effective, leaders must authentically set an example for these values themselves. Nick Leighton, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 City officials across the country would likely take note and, for once, New York would set an example for growth, not delay. Howard Husock, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2025 The couple, considered icons of the country-western genre, welcomed and adopted five children together: Robin, Dodie, Sandy, Mimi and Debbie. Known for their compassion and acceptance of all kids — their own and others — Rogers and Evans set an example of helping the youth and always being kind. Makena Gera, People.com, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for set an example

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Cite this Entry

“Set an example.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20an%20example. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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