setting 1 of 2

Definition of settingnext
1
2
as in scene
the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the setting for the novel is Victorian England

Synonyms & Similar Words

setting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of set
1
as in spawning
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
as in sitting
chiefly dialect to rest on the buttocks or haunches come over and set for a spell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
6
7
8
9
10

Synonym Chooser

How is the word setting distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of setting are background, environment, milieu, and mise-en-scène. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to setting?

The meanings of background and setting largely overlap; however, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

In what contexts can environment take the place of setting?

In some situations, the words environment and setting are roughly equivalent. However, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When might milieu be a better fit than setting?

Although the words milieu and setting have much in common, milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

When is mise-en-scène a more appropriate choice than setting?

The synonyms mise-en-scène and setting are sometimes interchangeable, but mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

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 setting
Noun
Beyond industrial settings, the researchers believe the technology could also enhance virtual reality and gaming. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 Classical biofeedback originated in clinical and research settings during the 1960s and 1970s. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Verb
The Americans have scored multiple goals in every game of the tournament for the first time ever, also setting a national record with 10 goals overall in the tournament. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Keep foods cold when serving by setting bowls or trays in a larger container filled with ice, advised the University of Florida. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for setting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting
Noun
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • For a safer outdoor work environment, follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s guidance by scheduling regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The show was always brilliant at orchestrating moods, with its slow-fast, quiet-loud contrasts, its extreme close-ups and noisy action scenes.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Collett is, ultimately, the reason D'Arcy dreaded performing that scene.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
  • New church Less than a generation later, the Protestant Reformation transformed Christianity, dividing Europe and spawning brutal violence.
    Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • On an album centered on killing ego and embracing growth, the response feels less like avoidance and more like a man choosing peace over proving a point.
    Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 26 June 2026
  • That means creating an easily navigable layout, incorporating soft, inviting textures and materials, and choosing extra-comfortable furniture.
    Madeline Bilis, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Real-world error includes sources of error beyond sampling error, such as nonresponse bias, coverage error, late shifts among undecided voters and error in estimating the composition of the electorate.
    New York Times, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Yet, in open defiance of the ban, last year’s Pride went on as planned and was the biggest in Hungary’s history, with organizers estimating attendance at more than 350,000.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump had campaigned on restricting birthright citizenship, arguing that the citizenship clause had been misinterpreted, and attended the April 2026 oral arguments in a first for a sitting president.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Team mentality spurs decisions The A’s were sitting at 40-44 heading into Tuesday, three games out of the American League West lead and 2 1/2 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Topping has unveiled the DX1 II, an affordable DAC and headphone amplifier aiming to bring warm, detailed hi-fi sound to digital music for under $150.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The president signed his directive aiming to restrict birthright citizenship on his first day back in the White House as part of a sweeping crackdown on immigration.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • In deciding to be cautious in handling two-time All-Star Shane McClanahan’s return to action for the first time since August 2023 by skipping his turn in the rotation, the Rays put some extra work on their relievers by designating Saturday as a bullpen game.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • But being heard is not the same as being placed in the position of deciding between parents.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 28 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Setting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on setting

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster