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
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
As the single most recognizable piece of branding, your logo is a great place to start in setting up those parameters.
—Zaheer Dodhia, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
Similar setups exist for a handful of other agencies, providing a degree of independence from the political impulses of the White House.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for set up
Verb
Two matches into the North American hard-court swing, Gauff appears to be setting up a pattern.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
As the single most recognizable piece of branding, your logo is a great place to start in setting up those parameters.
—Zaheer Dodhia, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
Importantly, the sign-up and setup process occurred entirely online through T-Mobile’s website.
—PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
Similar setups exist for a handful of other agencies, providing a degree of independence from the political impulses of the White House.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for set up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set up
Verb
-
The state health department distributes $12 million in SNAP-Ed funding annually to half a dozen agencies who, in turn, put staff in schools, senior centers, food pantries and farmers markets to teach food stamp recipients how to eat healthier and live a more active lifestyle.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
-
Robert put the club ahead one inning later with the 99th home run of his career.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
The plan is the department's effort to establish a clear vision while seeking community input to create a roadmap for the department over the next five years.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
-
While people had always moved between the U.S.-Mexico border, migration increased exponentially after the U.S. government, facing a labor shortage in World War II, established the Bracero program, which brought millions of Mexican contract workers to the U.S.—
Jimmy Patino,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
As Florida enters peak hurricane season, questions persist about the safety of the detainees as well as staff housed at Alligator Alcatraz, the tent city quickly erected to hold migrants in the middle of the Everglades.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
-
In the meantime, during the stalemate, Rice would visit the site almost every day, slipping through the fence that the township had erected around the boat to keep out trespassers.—
John Carlisle,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
Teens benefit most from opportunities that blend rigorous academics or real-world work, meaningful mentorship, and hands-on projects — experiences that build skills and confidence long after college applications are done.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
For instance, social connection lifts our mood and benefits health overall — and friends can hold people accountable when building new, healthy habits.—
Rhitu Chatterjee,
NPR,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Hall, though, scratched the Pre Classic, and whatever prevented him from racing there does not appear sufficiently healed.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
-
In general, when wounds don’t heal properly, the risk of infection increases.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Aside from a few upfront requests regarding the number of rooms and layout, the couple left the aesthetics up to Baimakhan.—
Rachel Gallaher,
Robb Report,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Inside The Corolla Cross Hybrid mirrors the Corolla sedan inside—basic, functional, and nearly identical in layout, with the same dash, instrument panel, and features.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
And there were almost no visual effects used when Tim and Millie’s eyes touch in a queasy, skin-crawling sequence.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
30 July 2025
-
Sandler included a tribute for Boyce following a blooper sequence at the end of the film.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
The southern coast of Alaska is highly quake-prone, situated at a spot where the Pacific plate slides beneath the North American plate, leading to extreme tectonic instability.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
30 July 2025
-
In a social media post on Friday, July 25, Liberty Hospital shared a photo of the baby girl wrapped up and wearing a yellow bow as she was situated on top of a Kelce jersey.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20up. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share