SETTING BACK Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

setting back

verb

present participle of set back

as in holding back

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting back

Verb

Still, there are good reasons Trump may be holding back, not least to avoid opening a potentially painful second front, just seven months after launching his damaging and ongoing conflict with Iran.

— Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
Shailene Woodley’s stylist isn’t holding back after the actress’s Emmys look caused a stir on social media.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of holding back

Verb

What longevity clinics offer Longevity doctors — typically medical practitioners working to help people lead healthier, longer lives — can tell you a lot about how your body is holding up over time.

— Renée Onque, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Latifah hit back by holding up own bespoke Team Queen robe, while Green seemed to seal the deal by dangling his Carhartt Team Riley work pants.

— Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of holding up

Verb

As first revealed by Deadline, insiders expect Brittin to confirm TV and radio network closures after delaying plans to announce the changes this week.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026
According to researchers, a combination of emissions from wildfires, long-term ozone effects and climate change impacts is likely delaying progress.

— Dan Peck, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of delaying

Verb

The team of physicists has now theoretically eliminated a long-standing roadblock, opening the door for next-generation security chips that protect everyday data without slowing down performance.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
The meeting was held during the United Nations General Assembly’s annual gathering of world leaders, as an intensifying aerial war between Russia and Ukraine showed no sign of slowing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 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

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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 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of setting back

verb

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