setback 1 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌbak How to pronounce setback (audio)
Definition of setbacknext
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

set back

2 of 2

verb

as in to hold back

Related Words

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
The setback comes as John Ternus prepares to take over next month as Apple’s chief executive, succeeding longtime CEO Tim Cook. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 The July jobs numbers from the Labor Department Friday marked a sharp setback for the American labor market and for Trump less than three months before his Republican party seeks to keep full control of Congress in the midterm election. — Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
The delays followed inclement weather in the region on Monday night, which also set back the immediate rescue efforts, according to police superintendent Sonam Doma Bhutia. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 July 2026 The disease savaged the American economy, set back the education of a generation of American children, inflamed political divisions, and undermined confidence in vital public health protections, including vaccination. — David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
  1. reversal
  2. hold back
  3. reverse
  4. hold up
  5. delay
  6. slow
  7. detain
  8. retard
Noun
  • Greg Baker | Afp | Getty Images South Korea's Kospi has staged a reversal from its latest rout, returning to bull-market territory as investors pile back into the country's semiconductor giants that dominate the index.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Since CoreWeave stock fell after each of its previous five earnings reports, the reversal was significant.
    — Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of reversal
Verb
  • That said, the show’s decision to hold back on this reveal also makes narrative sense.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Severe drought in 2022 on Lake Mead, which is held back by the Hoover Dam, exposed human remains and forced water officials in Las Vegas to pump water from deeper within the reservoir to continue to supply water to millions of people.
    — Ty O'Neil, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of hold back
Noun
  • Every region carried its own signal while simultaneously blocking unwanted reverse-moving waves from its neighboring region.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Its subtle color palette is made up of versatile neutrals, and the 100% cotton reverse side features a microscopic brown diamond pattern.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026
Definition of reverse
Verb
  • He was held up in the lobby and shot five times while trying to get away.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • That would guarantee exclusive 45-day theatrical windows and a moratorium on distributing the movies on streaming services for at least 90 days, with potentially financial penalties if Paramount failed to hold up its end of the bargain.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of hold up
Verb
  • Conditions that are too cold might delay proofing or rising, resulting in a super-dense loaf.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Cellphone use before bed delays the natural drop in cortisol that teenagers need to fall asleep, according to Alice Hoagland, PhD, director of the Insomnia Clinic at the Rochester Regional Sleep Disorder Center.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Somebody on the vendor side said that if American companies slow down here, somebody else wins.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Oznur Bell One of the journey’s guides, who was operating the vessel, spotted the hippo and slowed the boat in an attempt not to disturb it, Oznur said.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of slow
Verb
  • Speaking on a visit to a Russian warship that was taking part in a naval exercise in the Pacific, Putin described the Western moves to detain vessels linked to Russia as a breach of international maritime law.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Gilman, who served in the Marines from August 2019 until August 2020, had been detained in 2022.
    — Henry Austin, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of detain
Verb
  • But that approach is rather slow to respond and is limited to applying retarding force.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2018
Definition of retard

Browse Nearby Words

set at
setback
set back
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Cite this Entry

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on setback

Nglish: Translation of setback for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about setback

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