There are several synonyms for the phrase "sets aside." Some of the commonly used synonyms include "reserve," "allocate," "dedicate," "devote," "designate," and "earmark." These words imply that something is being put aside for a specific purpose, such as funds for a project, time for a task, or resources for a particular goal. "Reserve" suggests that something is being kept in store for a future need, while "allocate" emphasizes the process of distributing and assigning resources or time. "Dedicate" and "devote" both imply a strong commitment to a cause or idea, while "designate" and "earmark" imply a more specific identification of the purpose or use of something.