SET BACK 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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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

The race toward nuclear energy faced a major setback in 1979, with the meltdown at Three Mile Island; dozens of projects were canned in the aftermath. — Chang Che, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2026 Alarmed at the unexpected setback, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who last year agreed a defense pact with Washington, personallyrequested US military intervention but was rebuffed, a source familiar with the matter told CNN. — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

Verb

Clocks will be set back one hour, leading to sunrise and sunset coming an hour earlier. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The attacks badly damaged some of the country’s most sensitive sites and, experts say, set back Tehran’s ability to build a bomb by years. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

However, Bernstein pointed out that even if the global AI trade weakens, India is unlikely to see any major reversal of foreign capital flows.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
The move represents a reversal for the governor, who last year vetoed legislation to require data centers to report water use and expressed support for the facilities that serve artificial intelligence platforms.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

The designers and brands succeeding right now appear to be those who understand how to honor history and invigorate the brand, without being held back or weighed down by legacy.

— Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
But executives have otherwise offered few details, holding back until Wednesday's event.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of hold back

Verb

Shares of debt-heavy neocloud CoreWeave have held up fine, rising almost 8% this week, while Oracle, which has counted on the debt market for its AI expansion, has had a tougher time, falling 7% for the week and about 30% this year.

— Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien,Seema Mody, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
Chuck Outdoors That's it for the basic box, which is made from aluminum and designed to hold up to the abuse of constant travel and use outside.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

The fight, Haro said, is about more than extending a lease or delaying an eviction.

— Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Many airlines issue travel waivers during storms or weather advisories, allowing passengers to rebook their flights without any extra fees if it could be impacted or if it gets delayed or canceled.

— Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

While hair thinning and shedding can be distressing, determining the underlying causes can help slow down, stop or even reverse certain types of hair loss.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Drivers must slow down & move over for road crews & first responders.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

Video taken after the shooting and obtained by CNN shows Garces Perez sitting on a curb with his hands cuffed behind his back as he’s detained by authorities.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Officers responded, detained and identified him, according to the department.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of detain

Browse Nearby Words

set at

setback

set back

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Style

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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