as in reversal
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
The explorers persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hold back
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of set back
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
This deal is therefore a major move toward reducing EU reliance on Russian energy, which can ensure greater energy security, and may help significantly set back Russia’s war machine by hitting the Kremlin in the pocketbook.
—Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Bochy, the four-time World Series champion, has long said that the loss of a frontline pitcher is tougher to overcome than setbacks to most other players during a season.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Noun
Maybe the recent mission will do as intended and seriously set back Iran’s nuclear bombs program, but perhaps not.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
This deal is therefore a major move toward reducing EU reliance on Russian energy, which can ensure greater energy security, and may help significantly set back Russia’s war machine by hitting the Kremlin in the pocketbook.
—Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
What seemed like a season-ending issue turned out to be a minor setback for a former Philadelphia Eagles standout.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Bochy, the four-time World Series champion, has long said that the loss of a frontline pitcher is tougher to overcome than setbacks to most other players during a season.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set back
Noun
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This is a reversal from 2022, the year the war started, when most favored Ukraine fighting until victory, and only a fifth wanted a negotiated end as soon as possible.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Barring drastic reversals, San Diego will cruise into its fourth postseason in six years, while the Giants will miss the postseason for the eighth time in nine years.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Her brother Nick, however, did attend, and even seemed to be holding back tears as the WWE paid tribute to Hogan.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Yet, Markey’s decision to run again is holding back a lot of political careers.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
While in reverse, the warning beep is efficient, albeit annoying.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
3 Aug. 2025
-
The same works in reverse, taking travelers from arrival gates directly to ground transportation (two levels below the gates).—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Pick up this 10-pack of magnetic hooks for just $11—each one can hold up to 80 pounds!—
Becca Blond,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Aug. 2025
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In the picture, Braxton holds up a bundle of white calla lilies.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Health care may include the use of hormones to delay puberty in adolescents, behavioral health counseling to support and promote the gender identity with which a person aligns, and hormone replacement therapy.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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But the judge walked back that suggestion in his order that denied the defense’s request to delay Kohberger’s trial.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This resulted in investors in Asia flagging discrepancies that weren’t errors but created enough doubt to slow down their approval process.—
Beth Worthy,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Leili was arrested and transported to Troop A, where he was processed on charges of failure to renew registration, reckless driving and failure to slow down/move over for a non-emergency vehicle.—
Kellie Love,
Hartford Courant,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Officers responded and arrested the suspect, along with detaining the other occupants.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Aug. 2025
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Sanders, who was detained Monday, is heading to the Lake County Jail as well.—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As engine revs increase, centrifugal force alters the valve timing by a few degrees, either advancing or retarding it.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 17,
New Atlas,
17 June 2025
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Blockchain thus provides companies and banks a way to undo Basel II’s and Basel III’s retarding effect on trade finance while complying with their requirements.—
Rebecca Liao,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Aug. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Set back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20back. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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