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
as in to hold back
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of setback
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
For a 10-inch shell, Vitale says, a 1,000-foot setback and barrier are needed.
—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
28 June 2026
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Global economic development was set back by decades.
—
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Noun
The setback for independent agencies came as no surprise, however.
—
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
For a 10-inch shell, Vitale says, a 1,000-foot setback and barrier are needed.
—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
28 June 2026
Verb
The mark bested the previous record set back in 2014.
—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Global economic development was set back by decades.
—
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
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Suffering a reversal of fortune, Watson Taylor turned out to be unable to pay for the commission and sold the work in 1821 through Phillips auction house.
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The market experienced a reversal session, with AI leaders and data center infrastructure buildout stocks falling while software and the hyperscalers rebounded.
Verb
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The delay is attributed to Rockstar strategically holding back the trailer, as pre-orders already generated significant buzz.
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And Scott Galloway, an NYU Stern marketing professor and host of The Prof G Pod podcast, agrees that workers are being held back by remote work.
Noun
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The remaining 15 picks of the first round are ordered in reverse of the teams’ regular-season records.
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The problem just works in reverse.
Verb
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology identified problems with the building's original design and construction, specifically citing support columns in the underground garage that held up the pool deck.
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In her classic book Atlas Shrugged, Rand used the Greek myth of Atlas holding up the world as a metaphor.
Verb
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Still, some experts say the lack of awareness may delay some eligible adults from taking advantage of the new coverage and getting on the treatments immediately.
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The last time Colombia played at Miami Stadium, the 2024 Copa América final against Argentina was delayed more than 75 minutes after a security breach involving ticketless fans, with some appearing to enter through air vents.
Verb
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But that could slow down as a critical evacuation plan is put on hold.
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Federal water managers have already been sucking water out of other reservoirs in Colorado and Wyoming to slow Lake Powell's decline.
Verb
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Officials confirmed that one person was detained in connection with the shooting, but did not confirm if the woman was the individual taken into custody.
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Asylum seekers are getting detained at routine immigration check-ins, and cases are getting fast-tracked through the system.
Verb
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As engine revs increase, centrifugal force alters the valve timing by a few degrees, either advancing or retarding it.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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