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
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Largely praised as one of the best duets of the 2000s, the pop-reggaetón track helped set a precedent for future collaborations across the industry.
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Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2024
As such, union organizers are looking to set a precedent for other tech unions via its contract negotiations with The Times.
—Sara Fischer, Axios, 10 Sep. 2024
Example: Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation has set a precedent for enforcing data privacy and protection.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024
Lawmakers passed bold legislation focused on climate change, energy, water and human health that could set a precedent for other states, and the world — depending on whether Newsom signs or vetoes them.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for set a precedent 
Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2024
As such, union organizers are looking to set a precedent for other tech unions via its contract negotiations with The Times.
—Sara Fischer, Axios, 10 Sep. 2024
Example: Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation has set a precedent for enforcing data privacy and protection.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024
Lawmakers passed bold legislation focused on climate change, energy, water and human health that could set a precedent for other states, and the world — depending on whether Newsom signs or vetoes them.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024
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 5 Nov. 2024.
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