setting

noun

set·ting ˈse-tiŋ

Synonyms of setting next

: the manner, position, or direction in which something is set

: the frame or bed in which a gem is set

also : style of mounting

: the time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs or develops

: the time and place of the action of a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work

: the scenery used in a theatrical or film production

: the music composed for a text (such as a poem)

: the articles of tableware for setting a place at table

two settings of sterling silver

: a batch of eggs for incubation

Choose the Right Synonym for setting

background, setting, environment, milieu, mise-en-scène mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs.

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

setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

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

milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

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

Examples of setting in a Sentence

This would be a beautiful setting for a picnic. He tends to be shy in social settings. dining in a casual setting The movie changes the play's setting from the late 18th century to the year 2000. She uses modern-day Los Angeles as the setting for her book. Save money by turning the temperature settings up in the summer and down in the winter. She just learned how to change the settings on her camera.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

HaH programs alleviate much of this financial burden by shifting care to the home setting and minimizing the need for expensive infrastructure. —

Jiang Li, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 In matters of style, attendees opted to wear pieces that was fitting for the setting. —

Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024 This mutation was tested in laboratory settings—no such mutations have been reported in real-world cases—and demonstrated a significant shift in the virus's ability to attach to human-type receptors. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Talk to me about how this watch might do that, or how something that belongs to an individual can work in a social setting. —

Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for setting

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of setting was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Setting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setting. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

setting

noun

set·ting

ˈset-iŋ

: the manner, position, or direction in which something is set

change a thermostat setting

: a frame or holder in which something is mounted

a setting for a diamond

: the background (as time and place) of the action of a story or performance

: the articles of tableware required for setting a place at table

two settings of silver

: a batch of eggs for hatching

Last Updated: 9 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

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setting

noun

Synonyms

Examples of setting in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near setting

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition