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
These stars set a precedent for the caliber of talent that would come to define the yearly festival.
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Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 June 2024
Lucas set a precedent for this franchise that many of the writers and directors after him have tried to follow: Just jump straight into the story and go, go, go.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 4 June 2024
There is concern about whether this decision will set a precedent for the personhood movement in other conservative states.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2024
By linking local and national concerns with global ones, activists during this period set a precedent for future generations of Black internationalists, including members of BLM.
—Keisha N. Blain, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2020
See all Example Sentences for set a precedent 
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 June 2024
Lucas set a precedent for this franchise that many of the writers and directors after him have tried to follow: Just jump straight into the story and go, go, go.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 4 June 2024
There is concern about whether this decision will set a precedent for the personhood movement in other conservative states.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2024
By linking local and national concerns with global ones, activists during this period set a precedent for future generations of Black internationalists, including members of BLM.
—Keisha N. Blain, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2020
See all Example Sentences for set a precedent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set a precedent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Set a precedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20a%20precedent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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