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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
His win sets up a November midterm election that Democrats believe, perhaps more than at any time in a generation, is within reach.
—
Nik Popli, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
That sets up so many other aspects of this offense.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
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
Nik Popli, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
That sets up so many other aspects of this offense.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets up
Verb
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Taylor Swift puts her whole tour on [sale], and stuff breaks.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Chock full of farmer's market greens, this casserole puts a fresh spin on creamy macaroni and cheese.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Last year, people searching for missing relatives founds piles of shoes and other clothing, as well as bone fragments at what authorities later said was a Jalisco cartel recruitment and training site.—
Fabiola Sanchez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
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Last year, people searching for missing relatives founds piles of shoes and other clothing, as well as bone fragments, at what authorities later said was a Jalisco cartel recruitment and training site.—
Garrett Haake,
NBC news,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This approach still erects a financial barrier for the hundreds of thousands of San Diego County residents who have supported Balboa Park institutions for generations.—
Judy Gradwohl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
-
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
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Your reliability builds lasting bridges that support future goals.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
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Instead of a traditional linear assembly line, Tesla builds modules separately before bringing them together late in production.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That admission runs counter to the tidy grief narrative most people carry around — the idea that time heals in a straight line.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
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In cases like these, more fun lip balms just don’t cut it, whereas this 100% natural ointment instantly heals and replenishes.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The film also situates the Eraserheads within the broader context of Philippine society, exploring how their music became bound up with the nation’s identity during a period of sharp political division.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2026
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The narrative begins with a religious ritual that situates her as a member of Syria’s minority Alawite sect, a variant of Shi’a Islam.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The solid dramatic framework that Gyllenhaal establishes drives events onward with relentless force, and her film is devilishly clever in its fusion of gothic horror and film-noir tropes.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
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Each track establishes a groove, makes its point, and moves on just as quickly.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But the limited support Beijing has offered Iran during two major military attacks over the last year raises questions about its reliability as a partner during adversity.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
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Assuming the toymakers’ claims are valid, Cross said, the apparent lack of oversight raises questions about companies’ ability to track how developers and third parties are using their systems.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sets up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20up. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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