set the pace
idiom
: to be the one that is at the front in a race and that controls how fast the other racers have to go
—often used figuratively
The company's advanced equipment sets the pace for the recording industry.
Examples of set the pace in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The organizations that act now will shape the standards and set the pace for digital transformation in their industries.
—
Chetan Mathur, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Never the most vocal, his presence and play set the pace for the Falcons.
—Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 6 July 2025
Startups that move fast, adapt constantly and combine AI’s capabilities with human judgment will set the pace for the next generation of fintech and wealthtech innovation.
—Charlie Gautreaux, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Disney’s Bob Iger set the pace upon his return as CEO, establishing a goal of at least $7.5 billion in cost reductions at the start of 2023, with about 7,000 jobs eliminated that year.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
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.
Chetan Mathur, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Never the most vocal, his presence and play set the pace for the Falcons.
—Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 6 July 2025
Startups that move fast, adapt constantly and combine AI’s capabilities with human judgment will set the pace for the next generation of fintech and wealthtech innovation.
—Charlie Gautreaux, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Disney’s Bob Iger set the pace upon his return as CEO, establishing a goal of at least $7.5 billion in cost reductions at the start of 2023, with about 7,000 jobs eliminated that year.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the pace
Cite this Entry
“Set the pace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20pace. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share