set the pace
idiom
: to be the one that is at the front in a race and that controls how fast the other racers have to go
—often used figuratively
The company's advanced equipment sets the pace for the recording industry.
Examples of set the pace in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The puppeteers, who are often front and center, set the pace for the entire show and create some of the most arresting visual effects, centering their work around the voyages and adventures of two main actors.
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Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
Fresh initiative surges as exhilarating Mars soars into your sign, inviting you to set the pace and show your authentic style.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
New York has long set the pace for financial regulation, from policing Wall Street to shaping national consumer finance norms.
—Aj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Gabriela Jaquez set the pace with 22 points (making 10 of 13 shots) while Charlisse Leger-Walker added 17 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
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Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
Fresh initiative surges as exhilarating Mars soars into your sign, inviting you to set the pace and show your authentic style.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
New York has long set the pace for financial regulation, from policing Wall Street to shaping national consumer finance norms.
—Aj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Gabriela Jaquez set the pace with 22 points (making 10 of 13 shots) while Charlisse Leger-Walker added 17 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
Cite this Entry
“Set the pace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20pace. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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