1
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
set up tables in the living room for the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of
set up a scholarship fund for deserving students from the inner city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to erect
to fix in an upright position
set up a post from which to hang the sign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to build
to form by putting together parts or materials
set up the prefabricated shed by following the instructions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to heal
to restore to a healthy condition
don't worry, the doctor will set you up in no time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized
the textbook's setup calls for a list of questions at the end of each chapter
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in sequence
the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another
changed the setup of the living room furniture several times before being satisfied
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 set up
Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
The jury saw a Dec. 14 transfer from an account set up to manage Combs' home in Alpine, New Jersey, to Cassie Ventura for $20,000.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 3 June 2025
Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 June 2025
The sale also included a private slip—big enough for a 60-foot boat—making this a dream setup for anyone who prefers arriving home by water.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set up
Verb
Two days after Collyer and Stocker were arrested, police arrested 31-year-old Phineas Ambrose Float after a delivery sting set up by law enforcement that involved the other two suspects handing the drug to him in the parking lot of a hotel in Denpasar.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
The jury saw a Dec. 14 transfer from an account set up to manage Combs' home in Alpine, New Jersey, to Cassie Ventura for $20,000.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 3 June 2025
Noun
What followed was usually a setup from one of his co-stars followed by a snappy one-liner from Norm.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 June 2025
The sale also included a private slip—big enough for a 60-foot boat—making this a dream setup for anyone who prefers arriving home by water.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set up
Verb
-
Every hard-working American deserves a living wage that helps put a roof over their head and food on the table–$7.25 an hour doesn't even come close.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
10 June 2025
-
Fox One is launching by the fall, and puts sports at the forefront of its overall offering.—
John Cassillo,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
In spite of his ability to carry the ball forward — a point of difference from his fellow midfielders — Willock has never quite established himself as integral, at least in part because of his struggles with injury.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
Cuomo has established a polling lead over other candidates and is viewed as the leader with less than a month until the primary, as progressives seek to rally behind other candidates to prevent him from becoming the party's nominee because of his more moderate policy positions.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
According to the lawsuit, the Williamses erected a shed against the church’s fence.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
30 May 2025
-
The regular season is winding down this month, but the Summer for the City festival is coming up, and a crew is erecting a stage near the central fountain.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Former combatants in Colombia’s long-standing internal conflict are increasingly being lured to Mexico by criminal groups to train hitmen, build bombs and fight bloody turf battles.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
-
Being transparent in this way helps build trust and demonstrates a genuine dedication to improvement.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
He is said to have helped heal a Brazilian boy after his mother offered up prayers in Acutis' name.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
13 June 2025
-
Hopefully, Askren can heal quickly, and the rumors of his death and the reports of his health status start moving in a far more positive manner.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
On the top floor, there is a two-bedroom penthouse available with a 550 sq ft. wraparound terrace, as well as three-bedroom option with an even larger terrace, ensuite bathrooms, and an open layout with a dining area, and a lounge area with a daybed and sectional sofa.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
3 June 2025
-
The latter offers a layout featuring a prominent round tachometer in the center of the cluster flanked by customizable displays for the engine’s effort, suspension settings and other monitoring.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
The full sequence from take-off to crash—final moments of Air India 171 captured on CCTV.—
Hannah Parry
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
-
Take, for instance, a sequence in episode two, where the vigilantes known as The Boys have to fight the supe Splinter (Rob Benedict), who can clone himself.—
Esther Zuckerman,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2025
Verb
-
The hard part will be getting everything situated for Cup and the timing of that.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
-
The overnight disruption in Ballymena, situated north of the capital Belfast, resulted in the injury of 17 police officers, with some requiring hospital treatment.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20up. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share