SETTING BACK Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

setting back

verb

present participle of set back

as in holding back

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting back

Verb

Nine weeks before the midterms, House Republicans aren’t holding back their criticism of the president’s latest tariff moves.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026
In 2023, thawing permafrost led to a rock collapse into South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim, India, generating a wave that burst through the moraine holding back the glacial lake.

— Umesh Haritashya, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of holding back

Verb

In addition to suspending operations on the four existing cameras, the village is delaying installation of the other eight until concerns are addressed.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026
While researchers have made tremendous headway in diagnosing the disease early and delaying symptom onset, a cure remains elusive, and a detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease still has too many gaps.

— Mike McRae September 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of delaying

Verb

The former’s close pursuit of Verstappen on his set strategy meant the Dutchman couldn’t play games and force Norris down the order, as Verstappen needed to win the title by slowing his pace artificially.

— Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The business diversification comes as slowing growth and weakening profitability put pressure on China's EV makers.

— Jenny Lee,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of slowing

Verb

There are more than 300 such foundations across the country, holding over $40 billion in assets, according to Grantmakers In Health (paywall).

— Laura MacDonald, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Landa worked with the Association to get the original project approved in 2017 after holding over 30 public meetings.

— Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

Definition of holding over

Verb

One day, her teen-age daughter, on the way to choir practice, witnessed ICE detaining someone outside her bus; Bre sent her children to stay with relatives in the suburbs.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
According to witnesses of the raid, local police and Canyon County sheriff’s deputies assisted ICE agents by zip-tying children and detaining people without asking about their immigration status.

— Rachel Spacek, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of detaining

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setting at

setting back

setting by

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“Setting back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20back. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of setting back

verb

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