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
Parents can pay attention to scrolling patterns to help their child build healthy cellphone habits by encouraging balance, setting limits and supporting activities that do not rely on constant screen use. — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 Bad Bunny took a custom cowboy boot into couture, Emma Corrin set keyholes over black velvet pumps and Michelle Yeoh put a gold slash down the center of a pointed mule. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Noun
Size representation on the runway this season was defined by a more fragmented set of ideals. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 6 July 2026 Quince This matching set feels especially nice on warm nights, thanks to its naturally cooling bamboo viscose material. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Adjective
The point was to smooth out the schedule, which typically comes after a set number of months after an initial public offering, Feldman said. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 24 June 2026 Unlike dining at a restaurant or ordering an Uber, the etiquette of tipping at sea can be confusing, with varying policies and pre-set service charges. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 July 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
  • He’s been known to blow up legislation, make surprise nominations, rage-post about sitting Republican lawmakers and retaliate by endorsing their primary opponents.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Nearly a year ago, CBS Colorado reported on the home, which had sat vacant for more than six years while falling into severe disrepair.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of sit
Verb
  • The Kings chose to hold Emanuel Sharp, Adam Flagler and Jonathan Mogbo out of Monday’s game, but Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell returned to the lineup after sitting out Sunday’s win over Golden State.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • If an island getaway is favored, there are plenty of options across the globe to choose from, all with pristine beaches and seaside charm.
    — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of choose
Verb
  • It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
  • People magazine at the time estimated the wedding cost $1 million and noted the event included four bands and a fireworks show.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of estimate
Verb
  • In Cañon City, Colorado, authorities are aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction in water use while asking residents to voluntarily conserve outdoor water consumption.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Those conversations helped fuel Soto-Martínez’s decision in late April to push for a ballot proposal aimed at giving noncitizens the right to vote in city and school district elections.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Both Swift and Kelce decided to forgo bridesmaids and groomsmen, per a statement shared with People.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Later, Swift revealed that she was charmed by Kelce’s willingness to court her so publicly and decided to give him a chance.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of decide
Verb
  • Chapman allowed back-to-back singles after his milestone strikeout, but got Jo Adell to ground into a double play to secure his 17th save.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Chapman gave up back-to-back singles after his milestone strikeout, but got Jo Adell to ground into a double play to secure his 17th save.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of secure
Verb
  • Gupta considers the blanket rent freeze a blunt tool that doesn't adequately address the affordability crisis.
    — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Identity monitoring service Aura can also freeze your credit without requiring you to contact the credit bureaus.
    — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of freeze
Verb
  • In his fifth-inning at-bat, Stephenson was on the other side of two successful challenges by Rutschman that put him down 1-2 in the count instead of up 3-0.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Go on, put the 131-cube (2,147 cc) monster engine into that one.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on set

Nglish: Translation of set for Spanish Speakers

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