1
: placed, located, or built as a part of some other construction
a set-in bookcase
a set-in washbasin
2
: cut separately and stitched in
set-in sleeves
set in; setting in; sets in
: insert
especially
: to stitch (a small part) within a large article
set in a sleeve of a dress
: to become established
Examples of set-in in a Sentence
Verb
a cold spell set in sometime last week
Recent Examples on the Web
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Instead, reapply the stain treatment and rewash the garment or follow the instructions for removing set-in soy sauce stains.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
But other Democrats say Newsom’s problems are less about the fires and more about perceptions that had been set-in while before Trump’s second win, but are perhaps even more problematic now.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 28 Jan. 2025
Even the toughest, set-in grease stains can be effectively banished with the help of a few household products and a little know-how.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 28 July 2024
Ideal for removing everyday dirt and grime and tough set-in stains, it can also be used for shirts, towels, workout gear and more for versatile use on the go.
—Alyssa Rotunno, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023
Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2023
Traditional lending can often unintentionally box out small-business owners with stringent and set-in-stone requirements.
—Xan Myburgh, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
The enzymes help break down proteins and starches in set-in stains.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Instead, reapply the stain treatment and rewash the garment or follow the instructions for removing set-in soy sauce stains.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
But other Democrats say Newsom’s problems are less about the fires and more about perceptions that had been set-in while before Trump’s second win, but are perhaps even more problematic now.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 28 Jan. 2025
Even the toughest, set-in grease stains can be effectively banished with the help of a few household products and a little know-how.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 28 July 2024
Ideal for removing everyday dirt and grime and tough set-in stains, it can also be used for shirts, towels, workout gear and more for versatile use on the go.
—Alyssa Rotunno, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023
Noun
In certain quarters, this space included, the pitch clock’s biggest challenge figured to come from the saltiest, set-in-their-ways veterans chafing at being told to move it along, service time be damned.
—Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2023
Traditional lending can often unintentionally box out small-business owners with stringent and set-in-stone requirements.
—Xan Myburgh, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Set-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set-in. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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