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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

status quo

set back

2 of 2

verb

as in to hold back

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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

Spain lost the 2025 Nations League final to Portugal on penalties, its first defeat of note under De la Fuente in a major final, but the setback did nothing to unsettle the federation’s plan. — Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Despite that setback, clinical trials for psychedelics have continued apace with positive outcomes. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 19 July 2026

Verb

Plans set back by pad explosion During the spring and summer months this year, multiple sources told Ars that Bezos was involved in fundraising activities for Blue Origin. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 The idea has sparked debate, the sources said, with some officials worried that a pause would set back the department’s efforts to hire more police officers and replenish its dwindling ranks. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

In addition to administering the toxic combination of medications, Hemphill failed to recognize and treat signs of respiratory distress, and administered the incorrect reversal medication for the kind of drug the girl had been given, Spragins wrote.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
However, without strong spending activity at home, a heavy reliance on exports makes China particularly vulnerable to a reversal in AI sentiment, which would hit sales of high-tech products.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of reversal

Noun

It was tested in both forward-spraying and reverse-suction modes.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
The Charlotte Latin Mass Community, which once helped Latin Masses spread to more than a dozen locations, saw that expansion reverse after Pope Francis restricted the older rite in 2021.

— Emily Broyles, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

Its economy is struggling, public services are strained and improvements in living standards have slowed to a crawl in recent decades.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Wall Street’s support for Netflix is wavering after the streaming platform’s latest results on Thursday failed to ease concerns over slowing growth, with a number of analysts slashing price targets for the stock.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

Chen, who was living in Boston and has a college-age son, is the only American currently held in China designated as wrongfully detained, the non-profit said.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The policy guidance applies to agents under Enforcement and Removal Operations, the branch of ICE that detains and ultimately deports undocumented immigrants.

— Philip Wang, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of detain

Verb

As engine revs increase, centrifugal force alters the valve timing by a few degrees, either advancing or retarding it.

— Utkarsh Sood June 17, New Atlas, 17 June 2025
Genesis Yes, the thing retarding recruitment below pre-2022 levels may be, at least in part, a military-wide health-records update that, much like MyChart in the civilian health-care world, tracks the medications of all service members.

— Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 9 Feb. 2024

Definition of retard

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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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