set against
phrasal verb
set against; setting against; sets against
: feeling strongly that one does not want (something) or will not do (something)
Everyone was set against going.
He was dead set against the deal.
Examples of set against in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The minimally landscaped areas immediately around the house quickly give way to the arid landscape, the spiny shrubs and Joshua trees interspersed with several sculptures set against the undulating shadow lines of the distant mountains.
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Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Daphne Fama’s most gothic game of hide-and-seek is set against the Philippine’s People Power Revolution of 1986.
—Neil McRobert, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Where to Eat With the help of chef Dave Cavilla, Feather and Wedge (named after a tool and technique used in quarrying to split stone) serves up fare that highlights local ingredients set against the backdrop of Rockport’s harbor.
—Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
From rushing out of the office to get party-ready, or hustling through the airport and reuniting with loved ones, to finally arriving at a glamorous night out with friends, each scene conveys merriment and personal style set against the backdrop of New York City.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set against
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Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Daphne Fama’s most gothic game of hide-and-seek is set against the Philippine’s People Power Revolution of 1986.
—Neil McRobert, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Where to Eat With the help of chef Dave Cavilla, Feather and Wedge (named after a tool and technique used in quarrying to split stone) serves up fare that highlights local ingredients set against the backdrop of Rockport’s harbor.
—Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
From rushing out of the office to get party-ready, or hustling through the airport and reuniting with loved ones, to finally arriving at a glamorous night out with friends, each scene conveys merriment and personal style set against the backdrop of New York City.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set against
Cite this Entry
“Set against.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20against. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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