set a precedent
idiom
: 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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The decision safeguards workers' procedural rights in the hiring process, could set a precedent for other states considering similar measures, and marks a significant check on the expansion of federal enforcement authority.
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Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Pharmaceutical pricing reform can set a precedent for other segments of healthcare—delivery systems, payers and PBMs—where misaligned incentives drive up costs without improving outcomes.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The case, which is expected to continue through Wednesday, could set a precedent for how the Trump administration handles future deployments of federal troops in D.C., Baltimore and other cities led by Democratic mayors.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2025
The Florida jury’s decision, however, may set a precedent that threatens Tesla’s prospects for autonomous driving.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
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Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Pharmaceutical pricing reform can set a precedent for other segments of healthcare—delivery systems, payers and PBMs—where misaligned incentives drive up costs without improving outcomes.
—Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The case, which is expected to continue through Wednesday, could set a precedent for how the Trump administration handles future deployments of federal troops in D.C., Baltimore and other cities led by Democratic mayors.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2025
The Florida jury’s decision, however, may set a precedent that threatens Tesla’s prospects for autonomous driving.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set a precedent
Cite this Entry
“Set a precedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20a%20precedent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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