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

The Dodgers can likely afford some pitching setbacks given their depth, but the latest injury stint adds another layer of urgency facing a staff that has already required plenty of maneuvering this season. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Together, the setbacks also highlight a broader challenge for Taiwan, which is developing a layered defense system while drone technology evolves faster than traditional military procurement programmes can adapt. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

Verb

One elegant multi-story villa set back behind metal gates appears intact but the back of the building has been heavily damaged. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 Since their last loss on July 1 the Red Sox turned their season around by winning 15 straight games, matching the all-time franchise record set back in 1946. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

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

Early results from some Central Arkansas school districts suggest that most third graders who didn't pass the ATLAS received an exemption and were promoted anyway, though districts still may be holding back more students than in previous years.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2026
The new on-pitch laws… There was confusion at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup, when substitute Fin Cartwright was held back from entering the pitch straight away.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

That combined experience informs Hades Films’ goal of creating theatrical horror made for Gen Z — without treating younger audiences like a market segment that can be reverse-engineered.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Three colorways have been revealed, including one with a stealthy reverse LCD.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

While rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling held up pretty well, Panthers reserve guards Chandler Zavala and Brady Christensen got beaten up inside.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2026
But hold up, cowboys and cowgirls, ‘cause the real Americana comes out in Joe’s monologue to her family over the most cursed McNamara family breakfast so far.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

An Iranian military official said that Qatar has been delaying a probe into the fate of three pilots, whom Iran says have been held there for months, according to state media.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The opening of the Wynn Al Marjan Island has been delayed to September 2027.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

For example, someone who is comfortable walking for 30 minutes could walk at their usual pace for several minutes, then pick it up for a minute or two before slowing down again.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Given the moon's lack of a substantial atmosphere, there is no air resistance to slow debris down.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

He was detained in March last year and deported to El Salvador, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and other administration officials, later admitted that the removal was due to a clerical error.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
As the court met Monday on Yabloko’s appeal, the party’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse and Russian media reported that several dozen people were detained.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of detain

Browse Nearby Words

set at

setback

set back

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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