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

This time, the Ravens were on the right side of a last-second reversal.

— Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026
Samuel Alito, in a surprising reversal, has recused himself from participating in a major climate-change case the Supreme Court is set to hear next week, which involves the oil companies Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy.

— Dan Mangan, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

Still, the families rarely hold back, leaving the admin team drenched in sweat.

— Alicja Turczyk, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026
The Meta Ray-Ban Display's color waveguide still feels like an important evolution in the category, even if it's held back by limited features and questionable design decisions.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 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

Terrones looked on at the black casket holding her youngest boy, the goofball who loved his family, the one who had longed for her support while she was detained.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
The 18-year -old is one of thousands of people who have been in prolonged detention after being detained by federal immigration authorities, ABC News has reported.

— Rebecca Gelpi-Ufret, ABC News, 29 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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