set 1 of 3

verb

ˈset How to pronounce set (audio)
Definition of setnext
1
as in to sit
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

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2
as in to choose
to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority set a date for the wedding

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3
as in to estimate
to make an approximate or tentative judgment regarding fire losses were set at a million dollars

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4
as in to lounge
chiefly dialect to rest on the buttocks or haunches come over and set for a spell

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5
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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6
as in to decide
to come to an agreement or decision concerning the details of finally set some plans for the luncheon

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7
as in to secure
to put securely in place or in a desired position had the jeweler set the diamond again

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8
as in to freeze
to turn from a liquid into a substance resembling jelly the gelatin is just starting to set now

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9
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position set a book on the table

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10
as in to harden
to become physically firm or solid the concrete must set completely before anyone can walk on it

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set

2 of 3

noun

1
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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2
as in pack
a group of people sharing a common interest and relating together socially they rarely associate with anyone outside their social set

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3
as in cluster
a number of things considered as a unit a set of tools

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4
as in type
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic the next set of job applicants had far more education and practical experience

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5
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

3 of 3

adjective

1
as in go
being in a state of fitness for some experience or action we're all set to go

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2
as in stuck
firmly positioned in place and difficult to dislodge that rock is really set in the hillside

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3
as in determined
fully committed to achieving a goal set on being the first in her family to graduate from college

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4
as in certain
having been established and usually not subject to change the library is only open during set hours

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5
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort international law has set rules for the treatment of prisoners of war

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6
as in deliberate
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing it was not my set purpose to cause trouble for anyone

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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
Ethan then sued Denims for copyright infringement, which was ironic, as Ethan’s reaction videos set much of the precedent for what constitutes fair use on commentary YouTube. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2026 An restart date for Goliath has not been set, pending safety reviews and clearances. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
Adding tokenized assets introduces another set of technology that has to work alongside those systems. — Isabella Gao, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 The first cohort’s films have already had an Academy qualifying screening in Los Angeles, Blanchett said, with another set for New York in mid-November. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Until 1989’s Playing With Fire drew more attention to Spacemen 3’s repertoire, Loop looked set for the longer career. — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026 Dressed as Holmes and seated in a set version of the prison visitation room, Seyfried acts out lines from a script based on Fielder’s recollection of the conversation. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set
  1. sit
  2. choose
  3. estimate
  4. aim
  5. decide
  6. secure
  7. freeze
  8. put
Verb
  • But the end of daylight saving time also means an earlier sunset, which doesn't always sit right with people.
    — Amanda Callahan, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In this room, with white carpet, marble arches and marble skirting, church members sit and quietly meditate or pray beneath a crystal chandelier.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of sit
Verb
  • Hormones aren’t the only treatments Some patients choose not to take full-body hormonal medications or are advised by their doctors to avoid them because of their medical histories or conditions.
    — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • With so many electrolyte products out there, choosing the right one is a challenge in and of itself — and the answer really depends on your needs, Efird says.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of choose
Verb
  • Once merged, customers can subscribe to both DoorDash and Instacart through a single account, which DoorDash estimated will save customers $100 million a year on membership fees.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers estimated that former NFL players with clear cognitive symptoms were roughly five times more likely to donate their brains than those without such symptoms.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of estimate
Verb
  • By increasing its manufacturing capacity, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver advanced systems to customers.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The florist, which aims to open in late November, will specialize in seasonal floral arrangements and specialty bouquets.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • That decision, handed down just before noon Friday, all but ensures the issue will reach the Supreme Court and be decided there before polls close Tuesday.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The couple decided to tie in both of their cultural backgrounds through other planning decisions.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of decide
Verb
  • The defense contractor secured a Phase 1 award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Incumbent Brian Echevarria hoped to secure a second term representing Cabarrus’s state House District 82 in a race against Democrat Chris Bishopp.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of secure
Verb
  • Ice•ology trays use a slow-freezing process designed to separate impurities and air bubbles from the ice, creating crystal-clear cubes that elevate cocktails, mocktails and everyday beverages.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Barnes is cold-based, and thus frozen directly onto the bedrock beneath it, which prevents it from sliding.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of freeze
Verb
  • Tight end Jack Evans put the Jackets in position to score with an 26-yard reception, and Carson James capped off the series by bulldozing into the end zone from a yard out.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Curry then made a three-pointer and put his hands on his head.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of put

Phrases Containing set

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sessions
set
set about
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Cite this Entry

“Set.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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