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Synonyms

set on

British  

verb

  1. (preposition) to cause to attack

    they set the dogs on him

  2. (adverb) to instigate or incite; urge

    he set the child on to demand food

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

set on Idioms  
  1. Also, set upon.

  2. Attack; see set at .

  3. Instigate, urge one to engage in action, as in The older boys set on the young ones to get in trouble . [Early 1500s]

  4. . Be determined to, as in He's set on studying law .


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Located about an hour’s drive from Manhattan and set on a stunning 2 acres of land, the home was originally built in 1955 for auto importer Max Hoffman.

From MarketWatch Sep. 9, 2026

Neither dropped a set on their way to the last 16, while American pair Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff - seeded third and fourth - progressed without any serious scares.

From BBC Sep. 7, 2026

In Yang’s career discussions at the end of his Ph.D., he made it clear to Cohen and Salakhutidinov he was set on returning to China to build a startup.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 4, 2026

With John Paul awaiting trial for cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators, and Mica’s family trying to pass legislation in her name, the doc seems set on rallying viewers.

From Salon Sep. 2, 2026

As the sun began to set on Inauguration Day, the air temperature dropped further.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

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