sets 1 of 2

Definition of setsnext
present tense third-person singular of set
1
as in spawns
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

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

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5
as in aims
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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sets

2 of 2

noun

plural of set
1
as in factions
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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as in decors
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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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 sets
Verb
December 22 – January 19 A steady plan today sets everything up to work better. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 Capricorn December 22 – January 19 A steady plan today sets everything up to work better. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 It’s snug for two, but undeniably cozy—with a familiarity and warmth that sets it apart from a standard hotel stay. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 Along the ride, one feature Doval hopes sets it apart will be a dark tunnel. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 Their wait ended Friday, when the Maryland Department of the Environment issued the pollution permit that sets environmental requirements for animal feeding operations across the state. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2026 Push for steeper penalties While the city ordinance allows fines as high as $500, fines can also be much lower depending on what the city’s municipal court sets them at. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026 That stability is what sets this material apart from earlier attempts. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026 But Congress, not the White House, ultimately sets NASA’s funding levels through the appropriations process. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
There is no equivalent on Chinese sets, where directors have been known to demonstrate the blocking themselves. Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026 The Ravens, who have an offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle who is expected to lean on multiple tight end sets, still have just two tight ends on the roster. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Some of climbing and kayaking was recreated on sets, but Kormákur also insisted on pairing those with actual locations. Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026 Four straw brushes, a sponge brush and a nylon brush designed for especially tricky beer and wine bottles differentiate this kit from competing sets. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 Zoo officials say the partnership not only produced successful births—including two sets of twins—but also contributed to broader conservation efforts such as habitat restoration, nature reserve management, and ranger support in China. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 The Elden Ring sets are looking very real in a way that summons an overpowering urge to replay a game that takes 400 hours to get through. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026 Times have been announced for Amazon Music’s streaming this weekend of most of the sets at the 2026 country music festival. Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026 That 25-year partnership resulted in seven cubs being born at Zoo Atlanta, including two sets of twins. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets
Verb
  • Hating cops also spawns ridiculous protests, like the ones that called for police to be defunded.
    Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The energy of the collision spawns many new particles, including—sometimes—W bosons.
    Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Rolder chooses the right sport Detroit’s fourth-round selection, Jimmy Rolder, was faced with a tough decision in college between baseball and football.
    Bob Tripi, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Rolder chooses the right sport Detroit's fourth-round selection, Jimmy Rolder, was faced with a tough decision in college between baseball and football.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That should concern anyone who values stability in our elections, regardless of party.
    Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The organization clearly values him.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The rugged island—the fourth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea—sits southeast of the French Riviera and deserves much more time than a quick stroll around the port.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The conference site sits near a major Colombian fuel-storage terminal, highlighting the tension between climate ambitions and the fossil-fuel dependency.
    Fabiano Maisonnave, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Paramount Skydance last year unveiled a new ad format for its Paramount+ streamer that aims to create new value for streaming inventory.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Virginia voters just approved redistricting that aims to add four Democratic seats within its 11-member delegation.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Whatever the team decides, Lomu sounds happy to oblige.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • If two of the richest companies in the world are racing to control the sky, who decides how that access is priced and delivered?
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Loop Capital expects Wex to stage a comeback, particularly as its over-the-road (OTR) business that makes up ~30% of mobility segment secures more sales.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Canes tackle secures Necklace of the Night honors in pre-draft intros.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That puts the onus on Wallace, who is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery in December.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Twenty-six cars involved in that wreck, which puts it up there with one of the biggest ever.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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