SETS BACK Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

sets back

verb

present tense third-person singular of set back

as in holds back

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets back

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

Project delays risk deferring revenue while costs accumulate, potentially triggering liquidity distress.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
This is partly due to common symptoms between certain types of cancer and pregnancy, but also because physicians (and patients) are reluctant to perform imaging during pregnancy, which delays biopsies and management.

— Elyce Cardonick, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of delays

Verb

The container is surrounded by thick insulation that slows the escape of heat.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Unless such investments continue as populations age and population growth slows further, there is no guarantee that the past will be a reliable guide for the future.

— Daron Acemoglu, Time, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of slows

Verb

According to the team at the Francis Crick Institute, adult fruit flies have a hydrophobic lipid coating made of long hydrocarbon molecules that blocks water loss.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
The idea is that, although their paralysis blocks the neural signals from reaching their muscles, those signals are still generated in the brain.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 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

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sets at

sets back

sets by

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“Sets back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20back. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sets back

verb

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