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
Recent Examples on the Web
In November 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) set a precedent for tech companies considering nuclear energy.
—
Jay Bhatty, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
This initiative not only streamlined operations for AWS but also set a precedent for how legacy systems can be decommissioned in a way that minimizes disruption for customers.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Legal analysts speculate that the case could set a precedent for how music labels handle diss tracks and their promotion.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
Worse, the current approach to QD TV marketing could set a precedent for manufacturers to mislead customers while exploiting the growing popularity of QDs in premium displays.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set a precedent
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.
Jay Bhatty, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
This initiative not only streamlined operations for AWS but also set a precedent for how legacy systems can be decommissioned in a way that minimizes disruption for customers.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Legal analysts speculate that the case could set a precedent for how music labels handle diss tracks and their promotion.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
Worse, the current approach to QD TV marketing could set a precedent for manufacturers to mislead customers while exploiting the growing popularity of QDs in premium displays.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 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 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share