set 1 of 3

verb

ˈset How to pronounce set (audio)
Definition of setnext
1
as in to sit
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

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2
as in to choose
to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority set a date for the wedding

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3
as in to estimate
to make an approximate or tentative judgment regarding fire losses were set at a million dollars

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4
as in to lounge
chiefly dialect to rest on the buttocks or haunches come over and set for a spell

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5
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal determined to see the West, she set her car towards the sun and drove off

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6
as in to decide
to come to an agreement or decision concerning the details of finally set some plans for the luncheon

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7
as in to secure
to put securely in place or in a desired position had the jeweler set the diamond again

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8
as in to freeze
to turn from a liquid into a substance resembling jelly the gelatin is just starting to set now

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9
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position set a book on the table

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10
as in to harden
to become physically firm or solid the concrete must set completely before anyone can walk on it

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set

2 of 3

noun

1
as in faction
a group of people acting together within a larger group the younger set is less likely to volunteer for the church's annual rummage sale

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2
as in pack
a group of people sharing a common interest and relating together socially they rarely associate with anyone outside their social set

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3
as in cluster
a number of things considered as a unit a set of tools

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4
as in type
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic the next set of job applicants had far more education and practical experience

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5
as in scenery
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production built sets for the play

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set

3 of 3

adjective

1
as in go
being in a state of fitness for some experience or action we're all set to go

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2
as in stuck
firmly positioned in place and difficult to dislodge that rock is really set in the hillside

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3
as in determined
fully committed to achieving a goal set on being the first in her family to graduate from college

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4
as in certain
having been established and usually not subject to change the library is only open during set hours

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5
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort international law has set rules for the treatment of prisoners of war

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6
as in deliberate
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing it was not my set purpose to cause trouble for anyone

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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
Verb
The settlers hurled stones with slings and set the groves on fire, chasing a group of journalists about 80 yards from the scene. — Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026 Thankfully, the lunar disk will set a few hours after midnight, leaving a window of beautifully dark sky before dawn in which to enjoy the full majesty of the annual meteor shower. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
Another set of skeletal remains was discovered that May, and they were identified as a drowning victim from 2002. — CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 This gift set, designed in collaboration with Brooklyn illustrator Phthalo Ruth, comes in watercolor plaid boxes that are almost too pretty to open. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The standards and practices for set safety are developed by Contract Services’ industry wide safety committee. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 Much of that trading involves futures contracts, which are agreements to buy oil at a set price on a future date. — Brian C. Black, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set
  1. sit
  2. choose
  3. estimate
  4. aim
  5. decide
  6. secure
  7. freeze
  8. put
Verb
  • The Tap on the Line (pictured above) is the only pub in the capital which sits directly on a tube station platform, and is one of the last remaining 19th-century stations.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • If weather permits, be sure to dine at Oliveto Restaurant & Lounge Bar, which sits beneath a shady grove of trees and overlooks the pool and vineyard.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sit
Verb
  • Starting with a silhouette and buckle, clients choose among materials including satin, leather, patent and suede, as well as colors and finishes.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The hotel has a total of 59 rooms and suites, residences, villas, and houses for guests to choose from, including a few options in the original farmhouse, or stancija.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of choose
Verb
  • Within an hour, the incident was estimated at about 35 acres, including various spot fires that erupted as winds pushed the flames forward.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • And Gartner estimates that 80% of neocloud providers will cease independent operations by 2030 because their revenues won’t cover their outgoings.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of estimate
Verb
  • Russia's heavy bombardment of the power grid ahead of winter has been an annual feature of the war, aimed at wearing down Ukraine's appetite for the fight by denying civilians heat and running water.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Marshall has consistently voted against Senate War Powers Resolutions aimed at halting or restricting military operations in Iran.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Bruni said the pope's doctors would decide if there were any changes expected to his discharge date.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Where the thresholds sit, which harms count, who audits what – that’s for legislators, lawyers, technologists and ethicists to decide.
    — Giorgos Tsetis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of decide
Verb
  • Despite increasingly sophisticated tools, the panelists stressed that technology alone will not secure a career.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • If something looks wrong, secure your Facebook account right away.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of secure
Verb
  • Two Utah residents who hiked Mount Shasta in Northern California were rescued after they became stranded during a perilous 36-hour journey through freezing conditions.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • In winter, some wetlands become more accessible as thick, spongelike layers of organic-rich peat freeze solid and become strong enough to support snow machines on their icy surfaces.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of freeze
Verb
  • The blaze sparked evacuation orders for the Encinal Canyon area near Trancas Canyon and put a larger swath of Malibu under an evacuation warning.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Rays need a win here to tie up the series, and the Guardians want a win to put Tampa Bay’s back against the wall.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of put

Phrases Containing set

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sessions
set
set about
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Cite this Entry

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

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