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
  • 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
  • The hydropower from Glen Canyon Dam that holds back Lake Powell serves more than 350,000 homes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Definition of holds back
Verb
  • Seneca's insight holds up because the underlying pattern hasn't changed in two thousand years.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The thick, 100 percent organic cotton fabric feels lightweight but holds up better than workwear canvas.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Definition of holds up
Verb
  • His isolation is not that of a man locked up in a room but a man who delays going into that room for as long as possible.
    — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The person who delays repayment may create tension, even if unintentionally.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of delays
Verb
  • Adding something as simple as a hedge near a river slows down water and gives it time to seep deep into the ground.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This slows down decision-making, reduces autonomy, and distances employees from meaningful work.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of slows
Verb
  • Next, place stems in a container with a little water in a cool place before using them in an arrangement.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
  • This issue stems not from a lack of compassion from parents or health care professionals, but from systemic failures.
    — Anna Tsioulias, STAT, 29 July 2026
Definition of stems
Verb
  • Make sure the tarp completely blocks any light, and tack down the sides of the tarp to keep it in place.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • San Diego voters approved lifting the height limit that blocks thousands of new homes in Midway.
    — Zack Defazio Farrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2026
Definition of blocks
Verb
  • The Goodyear House’s changing menu keeps items exciting, but its Goopy Burger is a tried-and-true favorite.
    — Laura Horne July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, the Philippines keeps showing the world how a determined state can fight and win on the legal battlefield.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of keeps
Verb
  • 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
  • Alligator Alcatraz houses a few hundred employees in trailers and detains about 650 male immigrants in large tents; until a few weeks ago, the number of those being detained was nearly 1,500.
    — Eric Schlosser, The Atlantic, 4 June 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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