Set up

Synonyms for set up
verb start

organize
strengthen
erect
build up
open
raise
prepare
establish
create
construct

build
begin
put up
introduce
assemble
inaugurate
arrange
launch
institute
initiate

install
found
back
compose
constitute
elevate
excite
exhilarate
inspire
originate

put together
rear
stimulate
subsidize
make provision for
prearrange
usher in

Antonyms for set up

destroy
disarrange
disorder
disorganize
weaken
raze
lessen
demolish

decrease
ignore
ruin
dismantle
disperse
scatter
cease
close

conclude
end
finish
stop
neglect
confuse

Usage Notes

The verbs set and sit1 are similar in form and meaning but different in grammatical use. Set is chiefly transitive and takes an object: Set the dish on the shelf. Its past tense and past participle are also set: Yesterday he set three posts for the fence. The judge has set the date for the trial. Set also has some standard intransitive uses, as “to pass below the horizon” (The sun sets late in the northern latitudes during the summer) and “to become firm, solid, etc.” (This glue sets quickly). The use of set for sit, “to be seated,” is nonstandard: Pull up a chair and set by me. Sit is chiefly intransitive and does not take an object: Let’s sit here in the shade. Its past tense and past participle are sat: They sat at the table for nearly two hours. Have they sat down yet? Transitive uses of sit include “to cause to sit” (Pull up a chair and sit yourself down) and “to provide seating for” (The waiter sat us near the window).