SETBACK Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

setback 1 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌbak

Definition of setback

as in reversal

a change in status for the worse usually temporarily The explorers persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

status quo

set back

2 of 2

verb

as in to hold back

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of setback

Noun

West Virginia had five blowout losses, including a 49-0 setback to Texas Tech to end the season. — CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026 Instead, the program faced regulatory hurdles, technical setbacks, and noise complaints from residents. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Verb

But the mission in June 2025 was halted in advance of battle damage assessments and was not restarted after those assessments concluded that the program had set back the Iranian program by only a year or two. — Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026 One elegant multi-story villa set back behind metal gates appears intact but the back of the building has been heavily damaged. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

In a major reversal, Illinois regulators have proposed letting cannabis companies grow cannabis outdoors, a move that would significantly lower energy consumption and cultivation costs — though home growers would be out of luck.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
That reversal runs counter to the usual assumption that younger generations are more relaxed, more collaborative, and less judgmental about money than their parents were.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

He was scheduled to throw over the weekend with El Paso but was held back after tweaking his back while working between starts.

— Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Ryan didn't hold back in Freedom's Instagram comments after the ejection, calling out the WNBA for failing to stand up for female athletes as the league's position on the trans issue keeps falling apart.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

Four plays later, on a reverse, Hunt and Jihaad Campbell were quickly in the backfield and helped shut down the play.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
That combined experience informs Hades Films’ goal of creating theatrical horror made for Gen Z — without treating younger audiences like a market segment that can be reverse-engineered.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

The initial rendering showed deep horizontal banding around the building’s corner that were unfortunately omitted, but the building holds up under scrutiny.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Intended for bars and restaurants with limited space, the dispenser holds up to 16 drink options, more than double the choices available in a traditional soda gun.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

Yet just days before, Sonora reported its first screwworm infestation, though the single case doesn’t appear to have slowed the US Department of Agriculture’s plans.

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Still, a slowing Chinese market and underutilization have forced domestic companies — such as BYD, Geely and more — to begin exporting to major auto markets globally, including Europe, Canada and South America.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

Prosecutors said that soon afterward, law enforcement detained both defendants and opened a duffle bag Olvera had carried.

— City News Service, Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
Ordered detained until trial, he was found dead in his cell at a New York federal jail in August 2019 and his death was ruled a suicide.

— Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of detain

Browse Nearby Words

set at

setback

set back

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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