setting 1 of 2

Definition of settingnext
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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

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verb

present participle of set
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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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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
The venue’s appeal is easy to pinpoint, starting with its panoramic setting in Embarcadero Marina Park South. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Verb
Witnesses told the court that, on July 30, 2025, Buck-Hayes stormed into Vogler's Danville office and doused him with gasoline before chasing him out of the building and setting him on fire, according to Cardinal News. James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 Shows like 'Death of a Salesman' and 'Giant' are setting early closing dates, leveraging their awards for quick, expensive ticket sales and faster investor returns. Katie North, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for setting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting
Noun
  • Scientists do not believe those environments existed where the rock formed.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
  • The exemptions typically apply to vulnerable populations like people who live in communal environments, healthcare workers and other categories, the staffer said.
    Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The show was always brilliant at orchestrating moods, with its slow-fast, quiet-loud contrasts, its extreme close-ups and noisy action scenes.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Collett is, ultimately, the reason D'Arcy dreaded performing that scene.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
  • New church Less than a generation later, the Protestant Reformation transformed Christianity, dividing Europe and spawning brutal violence.
    Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • On an album centered on killing ego and embracing growth, the response feels less like avoidance and more like a man choosing peace over proving a point.
    Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 26 June 2026
  • That means creating an easily navigable layout, incorporating soft, inviting textures and materials, and choosing extra-comfortable furniture.
    Madeline Bilis, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Yet, in open defiance of the ban, last year’s Pride went on as planned and was the biggest in Hungary’s history, with organizers estimating attendance at more than 350,000.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Swanson’s first-place finish demonstrated expertise in vehicle damage analysis, repair planning and collision estimating while competing against the nation’s best career and technical education students, Waubonsee officials said.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • In Taiwan, a student sitting for an entrance exam for a top medical school was discovered wearing smart glasses after proctors noticed the student staring oddly at the test, leading to an inspection that revealed the frame was emitting heat.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • But yeah, just being out in the world, interacting with the real world, just sitting at a café and watching people and reading alone — just being a participant in real life — has been really helpful.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion, now in its fifth year.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • During the rally in sweltering heat, Vucic told his backers, many bused in from across the country, that students and anti-government protesters were aiming to destroy the country, and accused them of colluding with unnamed foreign powers, charges the protesters deny.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • In deciding to be cautious in handling two-time All-Star Shane McClanahan’s return to action for the first time since August 2023 by skipping his turn in the rotation, the Rays put some extra work on their relievers by designating Saturday as a bullpen game.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • But being heard is not the same as being placed in the position of deciding between parents.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Setting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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