as in holds back
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets back
Verb
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Nmecha holds back, posing doubt for Sanchez and a narrow window for his pass out.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026 -
The company holds back 30% of the equity to cover its selling costs, settlement charges and miscellaneous other fees, including 9% per day on all advanced funds.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If Greenlaw holds up physically — always a concern — that’s likely more than the 49ers wanted to pay for a reserve.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
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The water- and sweat-resistant formula holds up during long days outside, while the lightweight finish stays comfortable without pilling or turning greasy.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Frey vetoed the ordinance, arguing that an eviction pause does not actually provide relief and only delays an inevitable problem.—
Aki Nace,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
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The plan also maintains full scope Medi-Cal for asylees and other immigrant groups who were cut out of Medicaid by the federal government and delays Medi-Cal premiums for undocumented immigrants that would otherwise begin on July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2028.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The process that allowed the rotifer to survive is known as cryptobiosis, a biological state in which metabolic activity slows to nearly zero.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
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During dry months, the water warms and slows — conditions that favor janitor fish over native species, Rosleine said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Most of them are solitary insects that live alone in underground burrows, hollow plant stems, or small nests built of mud and other debris.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Apr. 2026
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Cut pothos stems just above leaf nodes, and use clean tools.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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First, Detroit has centers ahead of him in Larkin, Copp and potentially Kasper next season, with Nate Danielson on the way as well, which either complicates Compher’s path to high-lineup playing time or blocks one of the young players.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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That put the company strategically on track to potentially go public in the final quarter of 2026—following an $852 billion valuation—unless Musk’s lawsuit blocks the move.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After three verse-chorus repetitions, the quartet stop the song cold and set off in a new direction, churning out pure noise even as drummer Steve Shelley keeps everyone anchored.—
Stephen M. Deusner,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
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In comparable territory, The Outsiders keeps things earnest, and even Stranger Things, for all its loopiness, plays its baby-monster antihero story tragic and straight.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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What are your rights if ICE detains you?—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Independent groups like Human Rights Watch say the Venezuelan government intimidates human rights advocates, arrests and detains protesters and harasses journalists.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Sets back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20back. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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