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
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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
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5
as in heals
to restore to a healthy condition
don't worry, the doctor will set you up in no time
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sets up
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
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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While After the Hunt rushes through how Maggie and Alma’s differences were resolved, Maggie lands a polemic Rolling Stone op-ed that further puts Alma’s tenure in jeopardy.—
Essence,
Essence,
15 Oct. 2025
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With a traditional breast augmentation, most surgeons use general anesthesia, which puts patients fully out and requires a breathing tube.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The series builds on The Star's efforts to improve coverage of local communities.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 Oct. 2025
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Fab 52 builds on Intel’s 56 years of R&D and manufacturing advancements in Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Nature is almost like another character in the movie; there’s a spiritual side to nature that heals people.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
11 Oct. 2025
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Rush is not the answer to keep things afloat while Lamar heals, and that is a big issue.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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By analyzing discourses on development squarely within Native American studies, Yazzie situates capitalism, colonialism, and imperialism into the politics of nation-building.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Oct. 2025
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Durham incorporates archival footage alongside shots of a young Alysia with her father to create a dazzling effect that situates the Abbotts within their own history.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The bill also establishes penalties for degree programs whose graduates can’t earn a basic income.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
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Adrian Cheng's launch of ALMAD Group on September 21, 2025, establishes this convergence as its core strategic framework, combining over fifteen years of cultural commerce innovation with comprehensive digital asset exploration.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Fernandes Anderson was staring down an impending $5,000 fine for a state ethics violation around that time period, for hiring two immediate family members to her City Council staff, giving them raises, and in the case of her sister, a bonus.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
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The man's defense attorneys said in a statement Thursday that the verdict raises questions about what is considered espionage under Norwegian law.—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Gurba constructs a labyrinth of language where California poppies, childhood witchcraft and feminist rage bloom side by side.—
Ana Cristina Frías Cabrera,
USA Today,
8 Oct. 2025
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The department plans and constructs new freeways, additional lanes and other improvements in the Phoenix area as part of the Regional Transportation Plan for the Maricopa County region.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While Madea rehabilitates her co-prisoners, her family on the outside struggles with the usual family issues.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Sep. 2025
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And foxes are the most expensive animals the facility rehabilitates.—
Katie Nixon,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sets up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20up. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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