setting upon

phrase

present participle of set upon
as in attacking
to take sudden, violent action against The armies set upon each other in one of the fiercest battles of the war.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 upon Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting upon returning home. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting upon
  1. flying at
  2. going at
  3. tearing into
  4. pitching into
Phrase
  • Only a small amount reaches the Earth’s surface, but exposure is greater for people flying at high altitudes.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Only a small amount reaches the Earth's surface, but exposure is greater for people flying at high altitudes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of flying at
Phrase
  • The 59-year-old actress kept the summer vibes going at the Practical Magic 2 premiere on August 26, shimmering from head to toe in a seafoam green sequin gown that was dripping in pearls and gold chains.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But that’s not stopped the current and former mayors – who duked it out in what many describe as the nastiest local election in recent history – from going at it again.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of going at
Phrase
  • The curious intruder appeared particularly interested in the shop's inventory, tearing into a sweet-tea blend and investigating tea diffusers as a crowd gathered outside.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of tearing into
Phrase
  • Shane Drohan yielded three runs on three hits and three walks while pitching into the sixth for Milwaukee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But from there, Prielipp settled in, pitching into the sixth inning and giving the Twins a chance to win.
    — Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of pitching into

Browse Nearby Words

setting up
setting upon
settle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Setting upon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20upon. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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