setting 1 of 2

noun

ˈse-tiŋ How to pronounce setting (audio)
Definition of settingnext
1
as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded the novice camper felt lost outside of his familiar urban setting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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
as in choosing
to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority set a date for the wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in estimating
to make an approximate or tentative judgment regarding fire losses were set at a million dollars

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in aiming
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal determined to see the West, she set her car towards the sun and drove off

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in deciding
to come to an agreement or decision concerning the details of finally set some plans for the luncheon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in securing
to put securely in place or in a desired position had the jeweler set the diamond again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in freezing
to turn from a liquid into a substance resembling jelly the gelatin is just starting to set now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in putting
to arrange something in a certain spot or position set a book on the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in hardening
to become physically firm or solid the concrete must set completely before anyone can walk on it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
And of course, my children finding ways to override my settings, thanks to Reddit threads, YouTube videos, and annoyingly good guesses. — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 Exact instructions hinge on treatment depth, device settings, and how your skin heals. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
Yamamoto pitched the Dodgers to within one game of the National League Championship Series, setting a postseason high with 10 strikeouts in a 3-1 victory. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 But the players that should be setting the standard are the veterans. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting
  1. environment
  2. scene
  3. spawning
  4. choosing
  5. estimating
  6. sitting
  7. aiming
  8. deciding
Noun
  • As in Spain, our ambition is to make BBC content available wherever audiences choose to watch, across both streaming and FAST environments.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Both experts recommended following general sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining an optimal environment (dark, cool and quiet), keeping a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding sleep-disrupting substances such as alcohol and caffeine.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • The New York Police Department released body-camera video from its officers who responded to the scene.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • One scene that was captured on video by TMZ appeared to recreate the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of scene
Verb
  • This movie was massive, spawning three sequels, a spinoff TV series, and more.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The Dutch series, which premiered in 2010, was the first iteration of what would become a global singing-competition franchise, eventually spawning more than 150 adaptations around the world.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of spawning
Verb
  • Recognizing that signal and choosing a response differs from trying to physically release it, Kjærvik explained.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Disappointingly, her screenplay proceeds to unfold in a procession of frustrating get-outs and compromises, repeatedly choosing the least interesting or challenging direction to take this would-be throuple.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of choosing
Verb
  • All of this is why James is estimating the tally to restore the carousel will top $3 million or $4 million.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Every 2026 Sienna uses a hybrid powertrain, with Toyota estimating up to 36 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 35 mpg with all-wheel drive.
    — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of estimating
Verb
  • The charges were the first-ever against a sitting Israeli prime minister.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The only difference between us sitting here and someone on death row is our circumstances.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of sitting
Verb
  • Since fashion businesses are aiming to streamline their operations, reduce excess inventory and improve forecasting, both leaders stress that the adoption of new technologies must lead to concrete commercial outcomes.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Spain has seen an emerging coalition of the conservatives and the far right, which are both aiming to use migration concerns against the prime minister, whose government allowed over 1 million immigrants to apply for legal status.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of aiming
Verb
  • Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and early withdrawals may face penalties unless they’re used for qualifying expenses such as education or a first home, so families should review the tax rules before deciding how to use the money.
    — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Coach Jim Harbaugh blamed himself for starting the landslide by deciding to go for it on fourth down from the Chargers’ 41, saying the team should have punted then relied on its defense, which had played well all day.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of deciding

Browse Nearby Words

settees
setting
setting about
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Setting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on setting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about setting

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All