set aside

1 of 2

phrase

1

: to put to one side : discard

2

: to reserve for a purpose : save

3

: dismiss

4

: annul, overrule

set-aside

2 of 2

noun

ˈset-ə-ˌsīd 

1

: something (such as a portion of receipts or production) that is set aside for a specified purpose

2

: a program requiring a percentage of opportunities (as for jobs or funding) to be reserved for an underrepresented group

Examples of set aside in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Australia and even Mexico have pension systems requiring people to set aside a meaningful percentage of their earnings into an account that compounds for retirement. — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

Also, its six remaining Atlas V rockets are all set aside to fly Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which is also in the middle of fixes with an uncertain launch date. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Noun

All of these efforts would be backed by set-aside financing, ensuring that the city would put its money where its mouth is. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026

Density bonuses should require clear, enforceable community returns, especially affordable housing set-asides. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for set aside

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Legal Definition

set aside

transitive verb

1

: to disagree with and overturn (a decision or act of a lower tribunal) upon review : overrule, vacate

set aside the decree

2

: to deprive of legal effect or force : annul, void

may set aside the contract