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

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

On the other hand, slowing extra debt payments for a few months and building a dedicated cash reserve can be a strategic adjustment rather than a setback. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Even major battlefield setbacks may not push the group towards compromise if its leadership believes any concessions should be part of a broader regional bargain. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

Verb

They also must be set back 10 feet from the front property line, with landscaping required in that setback to screen the wall from view. — Luisa Yanez updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Clocks will be set back one hour, leading to sunrise and sunset coming an hour earlier. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

Inspired by Ektachrome, a color-reversal film stock widely used during the 1970s, this presentation allows viewers to immerse themselves into the vivid colors and style of the 1973 Easter Island landscape.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Kansas City, Missouri, could max out in the mid 70s on Thursday after topping 90 degrees Fahrenheit Tuesday — a nearly 20-degree reversal.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

Primaries Kenny and Christina have long wanted to come to Thailand, but have been held back by Christina’s lethal nut allergy.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
The pope kept his normal busy schedule Monday, holding back-to-back meetings in the morning before participating in a gathering of bishops and church leaders in the Vatican.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

Freeman slid a clever reverse pass into Reyna’s path, and Reyna’s cross was spilled by Rangel, right into the path of Hall for a tap-in.

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Holding measles deaths out of the national update until certificates are final reverses that order.

— Jess Steier, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

Many have taken to the streets in towns and neighborhoods to protest the worsening situation, with roadblocks, tire-burning and residents holding up signs criticizing the government for not providing adequate solutions.

— Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
After years of being held up as the example, Michael eventually told his brothers about his suitcase scheme.

— Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

At least 75 data center projects worth more than $130 billion total were delayed or cancelled in the first three months of this year, according to a Data Center Watch report published in June.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
By the time the architectural plans were finished, COVID hit, and Hotel Lucile was further delayed.

— Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

This helps all stages of the ecosystem, from the Uppsala spinout behind Leqembi, one of the first drugs to slow Alzheimer’s, through to Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca whose largest factory is in Södertälje.

— Jan Larsson, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
However, a wall of wind shear is expected to slightly destabilize the storm just before landfall — slowing its wind speeds to 100 mph and broadening the system, spreading the high winds and heavy rains even further from the core of the storm.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

New details emerged late Monday about what allegedly occurred on board the flight and in the aftermath when Blair was detained at JFK and transported to a local hospital.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Another man detained by officers, identified as 25-year-old Adrian Liscano Ramos of Santa Rosa, was on probation.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 13 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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