set aside

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of set asidenext
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 How to pronounce set-aside (audio)
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
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.
Phrase
The government also filed an emergency motion Monday in federal court in Los Angeles, seeking an order requiring the state to cooperate and set aside the ballots of voters on the list. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Transfer one third of sauce to a small bowl and set aside for serving. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
These include things like expungements of past convictions, license set-asides for minority dispensary owners, and community reinvestment of cannabis tax revenues. — Daniel J. Mallinson, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 Since the set-aside edges had nothing to do with the pool, they could be analyzed independently. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set aside

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of set aside was in 1943

Rhymes for set aside

See All Rhymes for set aside

Browse Nearby Words

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set aside
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Cite this Entry

“Set aside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20aside. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on set aside

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