1
as in puts
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
set up tables in the living room for the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in founds
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of
set up a scholarship fund for deserving students from the inner city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in erects
to fix in an upright position
set up a post from which to hang the sign
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4
as in builds
to form by putting together parts or materials
set up the prefabricated shed by following the instructions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in heals
to restore to a healthy condition
don't worry, the doctor will set you up in no time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sets up
Exactly where this storm sets up and tracks will determine where the snow and ice will be, according to AccuWeather.
—
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
The finale also sets up for Boris to return in future seasons.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Caleb Femi’s Poor (2020) sets up a visual contrast between exterior shots of the cold geometric grid of the North Peckham Estate, and close-up interiors with dancing.
—Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
The episode also sets up some hints about what’s to come next.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Anderson sets up their tumultuous familyhood and the film jumps off after everything changes over the time span of the 16 years.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
The finale also sets up for Boris to return in future seasons.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Caleb Femi’s Poor (2020) sets up a visual contrast between exterior shots of the cold geometric grid of the North Peckham Estate, and close-up interiors with dancing.
—Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
The episode also sets up some hints about what’s to come next.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Anderson sets up their tumultuous familyhood and the film jumps off after everything changes over the time span of the 16 years.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets up
Verb
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This puts American battery and mineral recyclers at a competitive disadvantage against recyclers in Basel member countries — including China.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The versatile beach takes up a mile-long stretch just beyond downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, which puts it walking distance from a whole bunch of cute shops and restaurants.—
Alanna Bennett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But the gun has more limited ammunition compared to semi-automatic pistols that can carry 10 to 17 founds or more.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Pitt’s 15-episode season, simple premise, empathetic performances, and weekly release schedule, combined with a focus on ruthlessly realistic competence, erects a new benchmark for what good TV looks like in the streaming era.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Over time, repetition builds confidence.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Founded in Solana Beach in 2020, the Sister Cities Project builds connections between North County communities and their neighbors across the city in Southeastern San Diego.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After a bloody final battle, Clarisse (Dior Goodjohn) finally completes her quest and heals Thalia’s tree with the Golden Fleece.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
24 Jan. 2026
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In following her to this point, however, this long-game project gives remarkable dimension and particularity to the kind of migrant story often only told in journalistic generalities — showing, year on year, how time heals some wounds, opens others, and creates plenty of its own.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Such thinking situates Kurdi in a lineage of experimental musicians working in the second half of the twentieth century.—
Olivia Giovetti,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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Their collaboration also situates White’s legacy in the present, linking his early battles for visibility to today’s pop-culture boom.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court focused narrowly on the condo’s declaration, or the legal document that establishes the condominium, and the language in it.—
Catherine Odom
January 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
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Helping fans better understand who artists are and what inspires them establishes real connections that turn casual listeners into long-term fans.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The strikes come as Kaiser raises costs for patients and health providers across California brace for tighter margins following cuts to federal health spending.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Exercises like dead bugs, pike push-ups, leg raises and leg raise reaches are worth adding into the rotation.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sets up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20up. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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