SETTING Synonyms: 330 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

setting 1 of 2

noun

ˈse-tiŋ

Definition of setting next

as in environment

the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded the novice camper felt lost outside of his familiar urban setting

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Relevance

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

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setting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of set

as in spawning

to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

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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

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as in estimating

to make an approximate or tentative judgment regarding fire losses were set at a million dollars

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as in sitting

chiefly dialect to rest on the buttocks or haunches come over and set for a spell

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in deciding

to come to an agreement or decision concerning the details of finally set some plans for the luncheon

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as in securing

to put securely in place or in a desired position had the jeweler set the diamond again

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as in freezing

to turn from a liquid into a substance resembling jelly the gelatin is just starting to set now

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as in situating

to arrange something in a certain spot or position set a book on the table

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as in hardening

to become physically firm or solid the concrete must set completely before anyone can walk on it

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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

Examples 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

In a production setting, there isn’t a band of wildlife going up and down the isles eating and expelling seeds. —

Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025 Unlike Olympic 3x3, which is staged in a half-court setting, Unrivaled players will run up and down a full court, though one with smaller dimensions than the WNBA’s. —

Sean Gregory, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

Imagine setting yourself up for a lucrative passive income stream that supplements your current income. —

Melissa Houston, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Additionally, senior leadership setting expectations for collaboration when reviewing and approving goals is key. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for setting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting

Noun

McDonald's and Meta, among other companies, have cited the legal environment as the basis for DEI policy changes.

— Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
Observing Operational Resiliency Cybersecurity threats are global and do not discriminate against IT environments.

— Dewayne Hart, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025