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

Due to the setback, the series will now release sometime in ABC’s 2027-2028 TV season. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2026 They were hit with a major setback last week through Rodri’s injury, but the good thing is Frenkie De Jong got back to fitness just in time. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026

Verb

Some warn that Moscow’s aspirations to become a leader in AI development could be significantly set back. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 That’s great, but why does Googlebook OS feel like a bit of a set back from ChromeOS at launch? — Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

And when Here There Are Blueberries does shift its lens the testimony of Auschwitz survivor Lili Jacob, also embodied by Cunningham, and an album of photos that depict the cruelty Höcker’s collection elides, the reversal stuns you.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
On Sunday, the reversal on Key's interception sparked the Broncos, who trailed 14-13 at the time, to yet another one-score win, this one breaking the Indianapolis Colts' record of 15 consecutive one-score victories set in 2008-09.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

While many families are holding back, with youth unemployment about 18% and income growth lagging, China's household savings still are huge.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
The company can also expect litigation from shareholders, and possible regulatory action, if Huang or the board held back material information from investors (Nvidia previously denied the allegations of an affair to media outlets).

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 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

For listeners of a particular age and background—too young to properly appreciate Odd Future but holding up as formative Blonde, Flower Boy, and SoundCloud rap—2017’s trilogy of SATURATION albums remains a benchmark.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
Whether its underlying assumptions hold up against other observations, including measurements of cosmic expansion and the cosmic microwave background, remains an open question.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

The resort delayed its opening by a few days to allow for more snowmaking, and a few intermediate runs will be open beginning tomorrow.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Chicago Board of Elections spokesperson Julie Metea said final results are delayed because of a surge of 34,000 same-day voter registrations Tuesday.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 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

Sacramento City Unified leaders are pressing the city for notifications when ICE operates near schools after a parent was detained blocks from an elementary campus.

— The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Families are concerned that they will be immediately detained, advocates say.

— Laura Romero, ABC News, 10 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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