set a precedent
idiom
: to decide something that will be used as an example or rule to be followed in the future
The ruling in the case is likely to set a precedent for how future cases are decided.
Examples of set a precedent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Though there was a high average temperature of 72.2 degrees — 2.3 degrees hotter than an average June — meteorologists say that does not necessarily set a precedent for a hotter summer.
—
Allana Smith, Freep.com, 1 July 2025
Several people expressed concern that approving the rock mine would set a precedent for other landowners in the EAA to create more rock mines.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Will the case set a precedent for digital parking payments?
—Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The Bigger Picture For SpaceX And Tokenization More broadly, Republic’s move could set a precedent.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
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Allana Smith, Freep.com, 1 July 2025
Several people expressed concern that approving the rock mine would set a precedent for other landowners in the EAA to create more rock mines.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Will the case set a precedent for digital parking payments?
—Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The Bigger Picture For SpaceX And Tokenization More broadly, Republic’s move could set a precedent.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set a precedent
Cite this Entry
“Set a precedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20a%20precedent. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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