set-to

1 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌtü

plural set-tos

Synonyms of set-to

: a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate

set to

2 of 2

verb

set to; setting to; sets to

intransitive verb

: to begin actively and earnestly

: to begin fighting

Examples of set-to in a Sentence

Noun they had a brief set-to about money, but they seem to have resolved it

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Noun

The grizzled heads among them testified to many a hazardous chase or physical set-to with violators of Wisconsin’s fish and game laws. — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026 Into this unholy mess blunders Juan (Juan Amador), bearing the gushing stigmata of a violent set-to in a Sacramento bar. — Reed Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023

Verb

Tuesday General Motors is set to report earnings before the bell. — Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026 The Mayan, where the restaurant and sports bar are set to open this spring, already includes 29 apartments. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set-to

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of set-to was circa 1525

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

settlor

set-to

set to

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Set-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set-to. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

set-to

noun

verb

Synonyms of set-to

Examples of set-to in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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