sets back

verb

present tense third-person singular of set back
as in holds back

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets back
  1. holds back
  2. holds up
  3. delays
  4. slows
  5. stems
  6. blocks
  7. keeps
  8. detains
Verb
  • Eventually, though, and soon, Colorado will need to institute a new water conservation program that holds back some water for release downstream through this stretch and on toward Lake Powell when it’s most needed in summer, Holm said.
    — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Samsung traditionally holds back one color in the Galaxy S range to be a web exclusive and drive consumers to its website, although typically this is one of the standard black or grey colors.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Definition of holds back
Verb
  • Explore one detail together, and see whether your curiosity holds up.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The eco-friendly design holds up well in mixed weather conditions.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of holds up
Verb
  • If supply chain volatility delays those transformers, the impact extends beyond construction sequencing.
    — Jayashree Arunkumar, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Unexcused absences in three consecutive elections freeze tax IDs, block nonvoters from applying to state jobs, hinders loans from state banks, and delays the issuance of passports.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of delays
Verb
  • Introducing conscious thoughts actually disrupts this flow and slows down the process.
    — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • An injury can damage a vein, while prolonged inactivity slows blood flow.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of slows
Verb
  • To avoid this, prune damaged and broken stems off your plants in fall using clean, sharp pruning cuts.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Nasdaq's growing appeal stems in part from revisions to its index inclusion mechanisms and listing rules implemented earlier this year.
    — , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of stems
Verb
  • Satellite thermal sensors can now reveal which blocks bake hottest after sundown, and city planners are using this data to reprioritize projects.
    — Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • That looks like a password reset that blocks off an entire morning.
    — Tal Dagan, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of blocks
Verb
  • This isn’t to claim that a PEDF-boost keeps people younger, at least not without a lot more research.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The three-part 40mm drivers deliver fantastic audio by combining highs, mids, and lows to create an immersive soundscape that keeps you engaged and attentive.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of keeps
Verb
  • The Midwest Regional Reception Center detains close to 500 fathers, mothers, spouses, cousins and friends on behalf of ICE.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The policy guidance applies to agents under Enforcement and Removal Operations, the branch of ICE that detains and ultimately deports undocumented immigrants.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 14 July 2026
Definition of detains
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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sets at
sets back
sets by
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Cite this Entry

“Sets back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20back. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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