set a precedent

phrase

: 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

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Liberal advocacy groups urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to end his attacks on ABC, and conservative groups warned Carr not to set a precedent that would harm conservatives in future administrations. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026 That said, there is indirect benefit if this year’s breaks set a precedent. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026 The show also depicts how the railroad set a precedent for other big businesses to lure in naive citizens seeking their own slice of the American dream. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2026 At Tuesday's hearing, Colorado Supreme Court Justice Richard Gabriel said this could set a precedent for limiting care in the future. — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set a precedent

Rhymes for set a precedent

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Browse Nearby Words

set apart
set a precedent
set a record
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Cite this Entry

“Set a precedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20a%20precedent. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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