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

Now in Portugal’s third division, after one relegation setback, the club has its eyes on returning to the Primiera Liga. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Despite some setbacks, the producers believe that the film is more successful than a film about a camboy and a pedophile could have ever hoped to be. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026

Verb

The rooms, which are decorated with wood and natural fibers, are set back from two miles of stunning Montego Bay beachfront and contain an impressive number of cheerful works of art by Jamaican artists. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Pediatricians are asking parents to prioritize getting their families vaccinated after Colorado set back-to-back records for children’s flu hospitalizations in the two most recent seasons. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

The move formed a reversal bar on the weekly chart, suggesting the recovery could continue.

— Katie Stockton, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026
After the game, the coach said the situation called for a role reversal.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

Ugly Baby was one of the rare spots in the city that didn’t hold back on heat like many in America do to appease Western palates and milder heat tolerances.

— Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
Some investors are holding back until next year’s potentially tight presidential election, worried that if Milei loses, the next government could unravel his free-market reforms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

Ortiz put his gun away and pulled out his pepper spray when Jimenez pulled his car forward and then went in reverse, allegedly accelerating rapidly toward another officer.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Also on Thursday, the 10-year Treasury yield slammed on the brakes and went into reverse, falling below 5% and tumbling in the largest single-day decline since March 10, 2023 — the day that Silicon Valley Bank imploded.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

The tests could easily do the opposite, as people with results suggesting cancer require follow-up testing that overwhelms our healthcare system, potentially delaying diagnoses for people with cancer.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
The game was one of many across the Southland delayed or postponed by lightning, particularly in Orange County.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

The country's markets have struggled since late 2024 due to slowing earnings growth, but that has changed over the last two quarters.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
That sweeping victory has spurred concerns that Democratic representatives could now block or slow spending on new AI infrastructure.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

Federal agents were still detaining undocumented immigrants across the state, and Latino residents — the state’s largest ethnic group at 41% — were suffering under the crushing cost of food, gas and housing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
The man in handcuffs, shortly after being detained, became unresponsive, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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