set-to

1 of 2

noun

plural set-tos
Synonyms of set-tonext
: a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate

set to

2 of 2

verb

set to; setting to; sets to

intransitive verb

1
: to begin actively and earnestly
2
: to begin fighting

Examples of set-to in a Sentence

Noun they had a brief set-to about money, but they seem to have resolved it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The grizzled heads among them testified to many a hazardous chase or physical set-to with violators of Wisconsin’s fish and game laws. Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026 Into this unholy mess blunders Juan (Juan Amador), bearing the gushing stigmata of a violent set-to in a Sacramento bar. Reed Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023
Verb
Deadline first reported last fall that Brown was set to star as the iconic Olympian, with Gia Coppola directing and Ronnie Sandahl writing the script. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026 Earnings expectations By all estimates, the first-quarter earnings season is set to show strong earnings growth. Sarah Min, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set-to

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of set-to was circa 1525

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set-to. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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