setting 1 of 2

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as in scene
the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the setting for the novel is Victorian England

Synonyms & Similar Words

setting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of set
1
as in spawning
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word setting distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of setting are background, environment, milieu, and mise-en-scène. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to setting?

The meanings of background and setting largely overlap; however, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

In what contexts can environment take the place of setting?

In some situations, the words environment and setting are roughly equivalent. However, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When might milieu be a better fit than setting?

Although the words milieu and setting have much in common, milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

When is mise-en-scène a more appropriate choice than setting?

The synonyms mise-en-scène and setting are sometimes interchangeable, but mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

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 setting
Noun
In one shot, for instance, suspended clothing forms a plush, colorful backdrop for the family members at dinnertime, where the five of them smile from behind a dining table that boasts six settings—one reserved for the unseen Holton. Qian Julie Wang, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025 Set a 6-quart electric multicooker, like an Instant Pot, to Sauté setting. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
The sun is setting earlier and earlier across Tennessee as the year moves closer towards the end of daylight saving time. Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025 Parents can help by talking with their kids about setting goals that feel safe, flexible, and realistic. Melissa Willets, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for setting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting
Noun
  • The Chinese firm will integrate Nvidia’s Physical AI tools into its cloud platform, enabling capabilities such as data synthesis, model training, simulation, and validation testing for robotics, autonomous driving, and connected environments.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Here, too, there is a very strong mother character who is responding to her political environment—in this case, Fascist Italy.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Feldman, 54, received just 9 out of 20 for his tango during the season premiere, and insiders claim the pairing has been tense behind the scenes.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Reyes, who, like Phifer, is from New York, has yet to film any scenes with him but did get a chance to meet in the show's hair-and-makeup room.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Known for his love of ornithology, Reeves has created entire series devoted to birds, even spawning a TV show and book of bird illustrations.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The movie gained a huge following during the 1980s home video era, spawning multiple sequels, a beloved TV series, and an enduring fanbase.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ryuji dies in the Season 3 finale, choosing to head into the world of death rather than fight for life.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Farner said the school's tech advisory team reviewed a number of systems, met several times and considered various options before choosing ePASS.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Tri-Land is estimating the project will cost $100 million.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
  • An allowance is also included for third-party estimating services and airport concessions planning.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And our naysayers are sitting there with egg on their face.
    Chris Kirkham, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Trustee Doug Rafner also suggested that the AV upgrades could include projection screens that would allow those sitting outside to have a better view of the stage.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Is there some reason to postpone or dawdle on aiming for better for Milwaukee kids?
    Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The Nebraska Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
    Jay Cannon, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Tom Cillo quit his high-school team in the 1980s after getting involved in drugs, then worked 33 years for a city streets and parks department before deciding to chase a long-dormant dream.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
  • What To Know After deciding to try her luck by playing online for the first time, Edwards turned to ChatGPT for help to select her numbers, spending an extra dollar for the Power Play option, which ended up tripling her prize.
    John Toher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Setting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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