set an example
idiom
: to behave in a way that shows other people how to behave
It's up to you to set an example.
Examples of set an example in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And Monday night’s show of frustration and occasional petulance at Stamford Bridge was precisely the kind of example Pereira does not need from a player supposed to set an example for others to follow.
—
Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Service members expect those holding them accountable to set an example and meet equally high standards, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to relay private discussions.
—Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Advertisement Service members expect those holding them accountable to set an example and meet equally high standards, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to relay private discussions.
—Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Coming out of the House chamber Monday after certifying President-elect Trump's 2024 victory, Democrats argued that their party set an example by allowing the process to go smoothly and peacefully.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for set an example 
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.
Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Service members expect those holding them accountable to set an example and meet equally high standards, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to relay private discussions.
—Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Advertisement Service members expect those holding them accountable to set an example and meet equally high standards, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to relay private discussions.
—Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Coming out of the House chamber Monday after certifying President-elect Trump's 2024 victory, Democrats argued that their party set an example by allowing the process to go smoothly and peacefully.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for set an example
Dictionary Entries Near set an example
Cite this Entry
“Set an example.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20an%20example. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share