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
Bruce Springsteen has the support of his union in the latest set-to with President Donald Trump. Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026 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
Verb
Tchaikovsky served an ace later in the set to get Huntington Beach within four at 21-17, but the Oilers couldn’t get any closer. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 10 May 2026 The 16 teams are so good that everyone is set to go through a gauntlet and may the best team rise to the top. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 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 11 May. 2026.

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