1
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position set up tables in the living room for the party
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2
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of set up a scholarship fund for deserving students from the inner city
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3
as in to erect
to fix in an upright position set up a post from which to hang the sign
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4
as in to build
to form by putting together parts or materials set up the prefabricated shed by following the instructions
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5
as in to heal
to restore to a healthy condition don't worry, the doctor will set you up in no time
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1
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized the textbook's setup calls for a list of questions at the end of each chapter
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2
as in sequence
the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another changed the setup of the living room furniture several times before being satisfied
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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 up
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026 Like the best Marx Brothers routines, these books set up a premise that unravels, with escalating absurdity, while kid listeners are given the satisfaction of knowing more than the story’s narrators. —Elise Broach, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 Chefs to Fish for Their Dinner (and More) Chopped Castaways is an intense, Survivor-style competition show that pairs the classic mystery basket setup with physical challenges, foraging, and survival skills. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set up
Verb
Now, another industrial company moved in about six months ago and set up a waste recycling plant for soil. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026 Like the best Marx Brothers routines, these books set up a premise that unravels, with escalating absurdity, while kid listeners are given the satisfaction of knowing more than the story’s narrators. —Elise Broach, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
Equipment can run into tens of thousands of dollars per setup, and each robot typically needs a dedicated operator. —Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 Chefs to Fish for Their Dinner (and More) Chopped Castaways is an intense, Survivor-style competition show that pairs the classic mystery basket setup with physical challenges, foraging, and survival skills. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set up
Verb
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Though the arrest took place in 2023, the case faced new scrutiny in March after a video of the altercation — showing her yelling, putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing chairs at him while a child could be heard crying — was published by TMZ.— Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
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To have that as something that will live in my memory is worth whatever mental or emotional friction exists in rising from the comfort of my bed and putting my feet down on the floor.— Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The movie’s point of view is established with a brief opening voice-over by a woman named Sasha, whose reminiscences of childhood, and of her brother Jeremy, make up the bulk of the film.— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
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French counterterrorism prosecutors also said the plot to ignite an explosive device outside the Paris headquarters of Bank of America appears to be linked to HAYI, but a firm link has not yet been established.— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The University of Illinois is erecting two buildings there as well by 2028, Bashir said.— Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
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The project was teased last week on Coachella promotional billboards erected along California’s I-10 highway.— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The pricetag for building a new I Street bridge in Sacramento was estimated to be $300 million last year, but construction bids have now come back and the new cost is between $98 million and $217 million more.— James Taylor, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
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There are 31 countries that use nuclear power, which provides about 10% of global electricity, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, which says another 40 nations are either considering the technology or preparing to build a plant.— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In many ways, plugging into the literary community and falling in love with reading again have healed that sense of loss.— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
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That includes captain Gabriel Landeskog, who worked for years to heal and return as a contributor and a leader of his team following long-term injury after the previous Cup run.— Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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All 39 have different layouts, views, and furnishings, and some feature pieces from the historic Ritz Paris, bought at the renovation auction of 2016.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
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This tiny house keeps things simple with a single-level layout that sleeps up to two people.— Adam Williams April 11, New Atlas, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The prosecuting attorney provided additional details to PEOPLE about the sequence of events in the murders Rodriguez admitted to in his plea.— Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
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If the Heat had held on, if LaMelo Ball had not scored at the end, Tyler’s sequence would have gone down as one of the most dramatic in the franchise’s 38 seasons.— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Take pleasure in the richness and history of this magnificent hotel situated between two lakes and overlooking Interlaken’s central green.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
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For more than a year, city officials have touted Washington Square Park, situated near the city’s streetcar line, as the ideal home for the Royals.— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/set%20up. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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