Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting back
Verb
-
One of the few signs of contraction in the Nevada labor economy came in government jobs, which fell over the past year, holding back what would have been an even stronger expansion.
-
But good for him for not holding back.
Verb
-
In her classic book Atlas Shrugged, Rand used the Greek myth of Atlas holding up the world as a metaphor.
-
Brandsema explained that humans are born with one pool of motor neurons for life, and SMA slowly robs individuals of their motor neurons over time, leaving them with difficulty walking or running, holding up their heads, or even swallowing food and liquid safely.
Verb
-
And while research shows that exercise supports healthy sleep by regulating body temperature, mood, metabolism and circadian rhythm, Weiner cautions that exercising too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep by delaying sleep onset, shortening sleep duration and lowering overall sleep quality.
-
The remaining providers are stretched thin, and patients are traveling farther for care — often delaying prenatal visits or arriving in labor without adequate support.
Verb
-
The Fed cut rates three times late last year, responding to concerns about a slowing labor market.
-
While the luxury car market sees slowing sales (though revenues are on the rise), Genesis stands out with sales up 10% in 2025 and trending higher for 2026.
Verb
-
Landa worked with the Association to get the original project approved in 2017 after holding over 30 public meetings.
-
And moviegoers turned out to indies from Rosemead to The Chronology of Water, All That’s Left Of You and more, new and holding over, limited, wide and top ten.
Verb
-
Witnesses Say Victims Were Trapped Witnesses also described officers detaining the driver.
-
Padilla’s plan would eliminate the detention of families and would also require DHS to prove someone’s level of criminal threat and conviction history before using it as justification for detaining them.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Setting back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20back. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
