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
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of setback
Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 June 2026
But the tragedies and setbacks that would haunt the band for decades more (Oakley died in a motorcycle accident of his own in 1972) also came to include Jaimoe.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
The trio bested the previous record of 30 stairs set back in 2014, according to Guinness World Records.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Noun
Among the setbacks was reportedly an unsuccessful 2007 audition for the lead role in Disney’s Sonny With a Chance—a part that ultimately went to Demi Lovato.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 June 2026
But the tragedies and setbacks that would haunt the band for decades more (Oakley died in a motorcycle accident of his own in 1972) also came to include Jaimoe.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Verb
Global economic development was set back by decades.
—Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
The trio bested the previous record of 30 stairs set back in 2014, according to Guinness World Records.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
-
In a true Hollywood reversal of fortune that could end up in a recount or in court, Nithya Raman has taken the number #2 spot over Spencer Pratt for the November run-off.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
7 June 2026
-
The labor union representing city police is also lobbying for a reversal of cuts that would eliminate four officer positions and two leadership positions.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Building work on the basilica was held back by the Spanish civil war and a lack of funds, including Gaudí going over budget and refusing to compromise on his designs.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
10 June 2026
-
Unable to hold back her feelings, Percy tells him everything.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
In keeping with the show’s defiance of mortality, Lee and Lifeson seemed to have almost aged in reverse since 2015, with Lifeson notably trimmer and musically nimble, and Lee pummeling his bass while skipping around the stage faster than any 72-year-old should be able to manage.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2026
-
In agriculture, time is compound interest in reverse.—
John W.H. Denton AO,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
For example, the same antidevelopment permitting processes that hold up energy projects also stymie conservation projects and habitat restoration.—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
9 June 2026
-
Despite those numbers, Lori Mathies, owner of Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk in downtown Breckenridge, said her business held up surprisingly well.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Onlookers were festive and chatty amid thunderstorms that threatened to delay the work.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
-
The Friday night news conference at the Lincoln Memorial was delayed for about an hour because of lightning.—
Dan Gelston,
Fortune,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Pairing coffee with food slows absorption and lets your body draw energy from the meal itself.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
-
Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
She was detained by ICE in April and released last month, though her deportation case is still active.—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
Federal officials noted Kim was the first person detained and returned to the United States from Laos.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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