set the stage

phrase

: to provide the basis or background
this trend will set the stage for higher earnings

Examples of set the stage in a Sentence

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.
Celebration turned to tragedy quickly A surprise birthday bash on a boat set the stage for unforgettable Saturday night. — Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 That includes a mission known as Artemis III, which is due in 2027 to be the final mission to set the stage for a historic human moon landing the following year. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Speed test set the stage Hydromax had already shown its pace during a warmup appearance at the Southern California Timing Association’s Bonneville Speed Week. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 On July 24, James chose to join Philadelphia on a two-year veteran’s minimum contract, setting the stage for the 2026-27 season. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set the stage

Rhymes for set the stage

See All Rhymes for set the stage

Browse Nearby Words

set the seal on
set the stage
set the tone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set the stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20stage. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on set the stage

Nglish: Translation of set the stage for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
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
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All