plural set-tos
: a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate
set to; setting to; sets to
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
Reed Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023
His truest, ugliest self tends to emerge in his increasingly frequent set-tos with Linda, whose impatience with his documentary persona gradually wears through even her considerable acting ability.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2023
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
Americans’ wallets could be set to take a hit as the U.S. dollar has tumbled to a three-year low amid concerns about the stability and strength of the country’s economy.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set-to
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
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
His truest, ugliest self tends to emerge in his increasingly frequent set-tos with Linda, whose impatience with his documentary persona gradually wears through even her considerable acting ability.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2023
Verb
The 50th edition of the Toronto Film Festival is set to run from Sept. 4 to 14.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
Americans’ wallets could be set to take a hit as the U.S. dollar has tumbled to a three-year low amid concerns about the stability and strength of the country’s economy.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set-to
Cite this Entry
“Set-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set-to. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share