1
as in to put
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 to establish
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 to erect
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 to build
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 to heal
to restore to a healthy condition
don't worry, the doctor will set you up in no time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized
the textbook's setup calls for a list of questions at the end of each chapter
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in sequence
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 & 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 set up
Mike Defabo, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Meanwhile, several states have set up task forces to monitor their regional court systems and issue AI guidance, while states like Virginia and Montana have passed laws requiring human oversight for any AI systems used in criminal justice decisions.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
That setup, at least, could’ve kept Hall around while moving the franchise forward.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for set up
Verb
The addition is significant for a Steelers offense that wants to lean heavily upon its running game to set up play action.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Meanwhile, several states have set up task forces to monitor their regional court systems and issue AI guidance, while states like Virginia and Montana have passed laws requiring human oversight for any AI systems used in criminal justice decisions.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025
Noun
Ahead of the full closure, traffic on the bridge will be reduced to two lanes in each direction on July 12, to allow for filming setup, said police.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
That setup, at least, could’ve kept Hall around while moving the franchise forward.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for set up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set up
Verb
-
Cayley put her deposit down in February and traveled to Turkey in May.—
Hedy Phillips,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
But the 2025 grades put Brookshire Elementary School in Winter Park in an uncomfortable spotlight.—
Zoey Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Not long before the end, the daring writer-director introduces an idea that should have been established from the jump: As a child, Seti struggled with a speech impediment.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
11 July 2025
-
Two of the victims have been identified in a GoFundMe that has been established, but the Statesman will not publish the four victims’ names until the coroner releases their identities. CORRECTION: The Facebook postings about Benjamin Naylor were made by his three daughters and his ex-wife.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
The state’s emergency rules gave DeSantis the power to commandeer an airport owned by Miami-Dade County and deploy more than a dozen contractors to erect a tent city that has so far cost taxpayers about $240 million, according to available public records.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 July 2025
-
Long after the burn scars fade and new facades are erected, communities will be altered permanently.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
The song begins as a solo by Rumi and builds into a powerful ensemble, complete with Mira, Zoey and even the crowd.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
Why focus on building apartments that are in the middle of the market?—
Kate Talerico,
Mercury News,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Eric carried deep pain from a traumatic childhood that never fully healed.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
-
During his mission work in Harlem, Casey became so known for his ability to heal that his superiors asked him to take notes on his healings, according to Foley.—
Maya Bell,
jsonline.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Even though many European cities employ map layouts that are far more complex than many American street scenarios, Tesla says that with FSD Supervised, the Model 3 could move through inner-city streets with little human supervision.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Open-concept layouts, expansive kitchen islands, large windows, and natural light throughout give each residence a refined, contemporary feel.—
Bates Homes,
Idaho Statesman,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
The system uses small chunks of overlapping frames to condition what comes next, allowing continuity of motion, character, and action throughout the sequence.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Fleming largely worked on the back half of the film and the action sequences.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Hoste, a cocktail bar situated in the city’s Pilsen neighborhood, is now offering a $5,000 wedding package, affectionately dubbed the Shotgun Special.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
Perhaps the most interesting group, however, is somewhere in the middle, where the Indiana Fever are situated among the ranks of the Las Vegas Aces, Washington Mystics and Golden State Valkyries.—
Garrett Chorpenning,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20up. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share