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Definition of setnext
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as in to sit
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

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as in to lounge
chiefly dialect to rest on the buttocks or haunches come over and set for a spell

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as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal determined to see the West, she set her car towards the sun and drove off

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set

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noun

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as in faction
a group of people acting together within a larger group the younger set is less likely to volunteer for the church's annual rummage sale

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as in scenery
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production built sets for the play

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set

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adjective

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of set
Verb
Matheus Cunha’s raking ball to set Bryan Mbeumo free was outstanding in the context of the game, but there was a temptation to wonder whether Branthwaite’s extra speed would have snuffed out the threat before Mbeumo was able to feed Sesko. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026 After a day of perfecting your pop-ups, take a soothing dip in the property’s infinity pool, set amidst lush greens for a truly relaxing scene. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
The navy blue finish is striking on its own, yet these bowls also come in additional colors to suit any dinnerware set, whether your table style leans rustic or modern. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2026 The new hospital will have surgical set-ups, a labor and delivery unit, a NICU and an emergency department, among other services. Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Having a set time to do individual work has been nice. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2026 Undermain Theatre’s production, directed by Stefan Novinski, leans into the 1942 Pulitzer-winning play’s absurdity and its theme of repetitive human folly, starting with Donna Marquet’s busy set design. Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set
Verb
  • The supportive gel cushion is ergonomically designed for home, work and travel, helping reduce pressure on the back, coccyx and hips during long periods of sitting.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Richmond told the student to sit in the desk next to his and would occasionally ask her to sit with him at his own desk, according to prosecutors.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In a city where skyscrapers reach for the clouds and streets hum with the rhythm of daily life, Hong Kong's open-air adventures offer a refreshing counterpoint, proving there's no need to choose between urban energy and natural tranquility.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • While conditions remain dangerous, experts advise reading the avalanche forecast, skiing with local expert guides and choosing shallower slopes to ski off-piste.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • One of those studies estimated that the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma increases by 41% for those in the highest exposure categories.
    Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The Urban Institute estimates the final tally will approach 5 million people who drop ACA coverage and go uninsured.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That was exactly the kind of tone-setter Arlington Catholic aimed for, understanding the urgency at hand.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The company has also worked with the Air Force Research Laboratory on the Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator program, which aims to prove rapid design and production of complete missile systems.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In June, county voters will decide whether to back it.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Yet it’s left largely to each state to decide how much infectious disease reporting to require about it.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In this case though, thousands of corporations, including Costco, have preemptively sued the US government in an effort to secure their stake in a refund without having to put their reputation on the line as Schwartz and Woldenberg have.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • But Batum missed a potential tying three-pointer, and James got the rebound to secure the win.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In 2057, Earth is freezing as the sun has begun to die.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The National Weather Service warns residents of the negative effect of frost and freeze conditions on crops and other sensitive vegetation.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated February 20, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Mountbatten-Windsor put his arm around Giuffre with Maxwell standing close, smiling.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • But the table is so congested that putting any kind of winning run together could make a real difference while the teams above them are distracted by European commitments.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Set.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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