Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

setup

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of setup

1 the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized

  • the textbookʼs setup calls for a list of questions at the end of each chapter
Synonyms of setup

arrangement, configuration, conformation, format, formation, layout, setout
Words Related to setup

design, plan, scheme

composition, constitution, getup, makeup

build, construction, structure

2 the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another

  • changed the setup of the living room furniture several times before being satisfied
Synonyms of setup

arrangement, array, disposal, disposition, distribution, order, ordering, sequence
Words Related to setup

continuity

precedence, priority

chain, procession, progression, succession

series

aligning (also alining), alignment (also alinement), lining up

design, layout, pattern, structure, system
Near Antonyms of setup

confusion, disorder, disorganization, disruption, upset

disconnection, disjointedness

set up

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of set up

1 to arrange something in a certain spot or position

  • set up tables in the living room for the party
Synonyms of set up

depose, deposit, dispose, emplace, fix, lay, place, position, put, set, situate, stick
Words Related to set up

move, rearrange, reorder, shift

orient

establish, locate, plant, settle

clap, flop, plank, plop, plump, plunk (or plonk), plunk down, slap

ensconce, niche

assemble, collect

carry

berth, park

affix, anchor, lock, lodge, wedge

array, lay out, line up, queue, rank

set down
Near Antonyms of set up

relocate, remove, take

banish

dislodge, displace, replace, supersede, supplant

2 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 of set up

begin, constitute, establish, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, plant, start
Words Related to set up

author, father, originate

conceive, concoct, contrive, cook (up), create, devise, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, produce, think (up)

construct, put up

develop, enlarge, expand

endow, finance, fund, subsidize

arrange, organize, systematize, systemize

refound, reinitiate, reinstitute, relaunch
Near Antonyms of set up

abolish, annihilate, annul, nullify

end, finish, halt, stop, terminate

round (off or out), wind up, wrap up
Antonyms of set up

close (down), phase out, shut (up)

3 to fix in an upright position

  • set up a post from which to hang the sign
Synonyms of set up

erect, pitch, put up, raise, rear, upend, upraise
Words Related to set up

brace, buttress, prop (up), shore (up), support

boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, hoist, jack (up), lift, perk (up), pick up, up, uphold, uplift
Near Antonyms of set up

demolish, flatten, knock down, level, raze, tear down

4 to form by putting together parts or materials

  • set up the prefabricated shed by following the instructions
Synonyms of set up

assemble, build, confect, construct, erect, fabricate, make, make up, piece, put up, raise, rear
Words Related to set up

carpenter, fashion, forge, frame, hammer, handcraft, manufacture, mold, produce, shape

prefabricate

begin, coin, create, generate, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, invent, originate

constitute, establish, father, found, institute, organize

conceive, concoct, contrive, cook (up), design, devise, imagine, think (up)

reassemble, rebuild, reconstruct, redevelop, reedify [British], retrofit

jerry-build, rig (up), throw up

combine, unite
Phrases Synonymous with set up

put together
Near Antonyms of set up

demolish, destroy, devastate, flatten, level, pull down, pulverize, raze, ruin, ruinate, shatter, smash, wreck

blow up, explode

detach, disengage

disconnect, disjoin, disunite, divide, separate
Antonyms of set up

demount, disassemble, dismantle, dismember, knock down, strike, take down, tear down

5 to restore to a healthy condition

  • don't worry, the doctor will set you up in no time
Synonyms of set up

cure, fix, heal, mend, rehab, rehabilitate
Words Related to set up

attend (to), care (for), doctor, medicate, minister (to), nurse, physic, treat

fortify, rejuvenate, renew, resuscitate, revitalize, revive

alleviate, relieve, remedy, repair
Near Antonyms of set up

cripple, damage, disable, harm, hurt, impair, injure, lacerate, lame, maim, mangle, mutilate, wound

afflict, ail, debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, lay up, sap, sicken, waste, weaken

Learn More about setup

  1. See words that rhyme with setup Dictionary: Definition of setup Spanish Central: Translation of setup Nglish: Translation of setup for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of setup for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up setup? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games