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Showing results for dead set.
Definitions

dead set

[ded set, ded set] / ˈdɛd ˈsɛt, ˈdɛd ˌsɛt /
ADJECTIVE
rigid
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adamant austere definite exact fixed hard-line harsh inflexible intransigent rigorous solid stern stringent uncompromising unyielding
WEAK
adamantine bullheaded changeless chiseled determined firm hard incompliant inelastic inexorable invariable locked-in obdurate set set in stone single-minded static strait-laced unalterable unbending unbreakable unchanging undeviating unmoving unpermissive unrelenting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
broken easy flexible gentle imprecise indefinite inexact irresolute lenient mild pliant soft tolerant unfixed unreliable willing yielding
WEAK
bending limber pliable
ADJECTIVE
strict
Synonyms
STRONGEST
draconian exacting harsh rigid rigorous scrupulous severe stern stringent tough
WEAK
austere disciplinary dour firm forbidding grim hard hard-boiled iron-fisted no-nonsense oppressive picky prudish punctilious puritanical set square stickling straight strait-laced stuffy unpermissive unsparing uptight
Antonyms
STRONGEST
easy easygoing facile flexible gentle kind lenient mild nice soft tolerant
WEAK
amenable tractable uncertain yielding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Knueppel says he learned it by a being kid trying to escape an entire court of grown men who were dead set on stopping him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

With Poland dead set against it, that means either France or Italy, both home to rowdy agricultural lobbies, would have to sign on.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

"The very fact they were dead set on employing these independent advocates themselves says something about the culture - its control, and just not even beginning to understand the nature of independence."

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025

“My wife and I are both dead set that this is an absolute wrong, and we will fight this to the death,” Scott Anderson, who owns a golf course in Gilbert, Ariz., told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2024

But Dasch was dead set on returning to Germany.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple