setback 1 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌbak How to pronounce setback (audio)
Definition of setbacknext
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

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
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 It is set back from the street in Upper Cole Valley, near Belgrave Street, and is surrounded by mature trees, gardens and views toward the city and bay. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
  1. reversal
  2. hold back
  3. reverse
  4. hold up
  5. delay
  6. slow
  7. detain
  8. retard
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
  • San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel took the ball from quarterback Brock Purdy but then flipped it to Jacob Cowing on a reverse.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • In handling more advanced queries with the Phi 4 Reasoning 14B model, both systems again slowed noticeably under the more demanding workload.
    — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
  • An injury can damage a vein, while prolonged inactivity slows blood flow.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 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
Verb
  • But that approach is rather slow to respond and is limited to applying retarding force.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2018
Definition of retard

Browse Nearby Words

set at
setback
set back
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Cite this Entry

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on setback

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about setback

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