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

Bolsonaro argues Brazil's hefty national debt is holding back the economy and a top campaign adviser has pledged to reduce it by slashing spending along the lines of Argentina's Javier Milei.

— Catherine Osborn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
Quick wins will not fix the structural flaws holding back growth.

— DAN RESTREPO, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of holding back

Verb

Revenue may be holding up even as calendar productivity softens, creating an important trade-off for buyers to consider.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Consumers are also doing their part, holding up better against higher fuel prices and higher tariffs than many forecast.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 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

Issei Kato | Reuters Japanese companies are leaving China in record numbers, as a slowing Chinese economy and a diplomatic freeze force businesses to reassess their presence in the world’s second-largest economy.

— Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
The trial began in July and is one of several studies launched to find some protection and another way of at least slowing the outbreak.

— CONSTANT SAME BAGALWA, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of setting back

verb

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