It's hard to make a scene. (3)
I believe the answer is:
set
I believe this clue is a triple definition!
'it's hard' is the first definition.
(similar in meaning)
'to make' is the second definition.
(setting is a kind of making)
'a scene' is the third definition.
(thesaurus)
(Other definitions for set that I've seen before include "Put down the tennis group" , "Sink below the horizon" , "Create a puzzle" , "Become stiff like jelly" , "'Put, place or fix in position (3)'" .)