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

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
Iris Skrami, chief executive officer of Renoon, said many companies are still holding back on their DPP work.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of holding back

Verb

The plan was announced during a rally outside the 185-unit Oglesby Towers on Wednesday morning, with some holding up copies of their rent bills.

— Megan De Mar, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Although the data don’t show how household income compares to the cost of living, SmartAsset spokesperson Toby Nelson said the numbers can show how people’s income is holding up against rising costs.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of holding up

Verb

Firefighters in Nevada were making progress in slowing a fire that forced thousands to evacuate in Reno over the weekend after flames spread dangerously close to densely populated neighborhoods.

— John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The interest in secondary luxe shopping shows no signs of slowing down, either.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 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

Immigration lawyers have argued that the administration is detaining people longer than allowed by previous court settlements.

— Laura Romero, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
The court ruled that assigning an egregiously high bail, despite a defendant’s income declaration, was just a way of detaining them.

— Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 20 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of setting back

verb

Example Sentences

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