as in describes
to give a representation or account of in words
in his inaugural address, the president set out his vision for the nation over the next four years
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Recent Examples of sets out
With the help of her talking dog and an adorable lemon named Squirt, Edith sets out to find the last remaining fairy who might be able to break the spell.
—
Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
The federal law sets out rules and procedures for gathering foreign intelligence through electronic surveillance, physical searches, pen registers and more.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
According to British newspaper The Times, the bill also won’t be included in the King’s Speech next month, which sets out the UK government’s legislative agenda for the upcoming year.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Planet Money sets out to actually sell a book.
—Willa Rubin, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
The notice sets out measures to expand collection networks, support leading recyclers, and introduce monitoring systems that mirror broader EV battery regulatory trends.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026
Aided by a woman named Rhiannon, Jay sets out to learn more about Brogan — whose final role was based on Bram Stoker's character Dracula — and his terrifying link to a young actress.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
But Blackwell agreed with attorneys for the plaintiffs who argued that the issue isn't moot, because the government still doesn't have a formal plan requiring access that sets out who decides the conditions under which clergy are admitted.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
But Blackwell agreed with attorneys for the plaintiffs who argued that the issue isn’t moot, because the government still doesn’t have a formal plan requiring access that sets out who decides the conditions under which clergy are admitted.
—Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, 20 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
The federal law sets out rules and procedures for gathering foreign intelligence through electronic surveillance, physical searches, pen registers and more.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
According to British newspaper The Times, the bill also won’t be included in the King’s Speech next month, which sets out the UK government’s legislative agenda for the upcoming year.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Planet Money sets out to actually sell a book.
—Willa Rubin, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
The notice sets out measures to expand collection networks, support leading recyclers, and introduce monitoring systems that mirror broader EV battery regulatory trends.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026
Aided by a woman named Rhiannon, Jay sets out to learn more about Brogan — whose final role was based on Bram Stoker's character Dracula — and his terrifying link to a young actress.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
But Blackwell agreed with attorneys for the plaintiffs who argued that the issue isn't moot, because the government still doesn't have a formal plan requiring access that sets out who decides the conditions under which clergy are admitted.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
But Blackwell agreed with attorneys for the plaintiffs who argued that the issue isn’t moot, because the government still doesn’t have a formal plan requiring access that sets out who decides the conditions under which clergy are admitted.
—Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets out
Verb
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And that describes this Panthers offense to a tee.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
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The geological formation has been studied for decades, and that long record of scientific interest shapes how the company describes its role.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The painting, a collaboration between the Glenview Art League, residents and Chicago artist Anne Farley Gaines, depicts a bridge on the North Branch of the Chicago River and will run parallel to the river.—
Jennifer Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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Degrees of estrangement are common in dysfunctional families, and this book depicts their slippery, progressive nature.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For the cover of the May 11 & 18, 2026, special issue, themed around America’s 250th birthday, the cartoonist Barry Blitt portrays George Washington, the country’s first President, caught in the spirit of the moment.—
Françoise Mouly,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Táta Vega portrays Ollie’s Grandma, but viewers might recognize her voice from the Oscar-winning documentary, 20 Feet from Stardom.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sets out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20out. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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