1
as in putting
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 founding
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 erecting
to fix in an upright position
set up a post from which to hang the sign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in building
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 healing
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
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 up
As the new season progresses, one of the hanging chads from last season is the status of Voight’s relationship with Assistant State Attorney Nina Chapman (Sara Bues), who figured out during last season’s finale that Voight had a hand in setting up Reid’s murder.
—
Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency has more information on setting up a clean room here.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Crews have spent days setting up on the site.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
Talking about online safety, setting up shared passwords, and limiting public info can help protect grandparents.
—Suzi Morales, Parents, 25 Sep. 2025
This involves dealing with multiple vendors of IT software, setting up a cloud network and a whole host of tech integration.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
That may mean negotiating enterprise licenses, setting up campus AI labs, or embedding training modules in student success centers.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Under pressure throughout the final set, Sabalenka just about hauled herself over the line, an ace setting up match point.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Canes defenders gave Notre Dame receivers too much cushion in coverage, the interior of the defense allowed too many holes up the middle and linebacker Mohamed Toure busted coverage on Eli Raridon’s 65-yard catch and run, setting up Carr’s 7-yard run for the tying touchdown.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency has more information on setting up a clean room here.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Crews have spent days setting up on the site.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
Talking about online safety, setting up shared passwords, and limiting public info can help protect grandparents.
—Suzi Morales, Parents, 25 Sep. 2025
This involves dealing with multiple vendors of IT software, setting up a cloud network and a whole host of tech integration.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
That may mean negotiating enterprise licenses, setting up campus AI labs, or embedding training modules in student success centers.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Under pressure throughout the final set, Sabalenka just about hauled herself over the line, an ace setting up match point.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Canes defenders gave Notre Dame receivers too much cushion in coverage, the interior of the defense allowed too many holes up the middle and linebacker Mohamed Toure busted coverage on Eli Raridon’s 65-yard catch and run, setting up Carr’s 7-yard run for the tying touchdown.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting up
Verb
-
One need only read the US State Department’s 2024 human rights report on China to realize that naming a Chinese official to a human rights advisory committee is analogous to putting a wolf in charge of a hen house.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Trump first responded by putting restrictions on sales of American technologies to China, including a key Nvidia AI chip.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Built in 1901 by Fort Lauderdale’s founding family, the Stranahan House is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The star has also upped her game in endeavors outside of music, founding Rare Beauty in 2019 and becoming a billionaire five years later thanks to the empire.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And, in a break with the past, the VDMA is now expressing support for erecting countervailing tariffs when foreign products are found to be made with the support of government subsidies.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The council also agreed to discuss erecting other forms of dedication to Kirk, such as a monument or plaque.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The second challenge is building trust with her new staff.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Similarly impressive, the LSST camera has a massive focal plane that can cover an area of the sky 45 times larger than the full moon with every exposure, building an ever-expanding record of a universe in motion.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Silence every voice that doesn't come from You, and let his life be a bold witness of Your power, love, and healing grace.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Silence every voice that doesn’t come from You, and let his life be a bold witness of Your power, love, and healing grace.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
My cross-cultural background played a significant role in situating the project across two cities that are worlds apart geographically and culturally.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
-
The promise of Sherald’s exhibition underscored the High’s commitment to situating Black artists at the forefront of its programming, a priority that has only grown more urgent as Atlanta continues to expand its identity as an art capital.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Some cities have gone further, establishing minimum wage rates above state levels to account for higher living costs in major metropolitan regions.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The younger Hullar told Dateline UC Davis that his father played a linchpin role in establishing UC Davis as an academic and research leader in fields beyond agriculture and veterinary medicine.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Experts at Sweetbriar said the effort was not just about saving one insect but also about raising awareness.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The beloved actor, 99, recently reflected on his life’s work while hosting Vandy High Tea, a charity event raising funds to benefit The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke Museum, which is currently in development, alongside his wife, Arlene Silver.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Setting up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20up. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share