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
They also must be set back 10 feet from the front property line, with landscaping required in that setback to screen the wall from view. — Luisa Yanez updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Clocks will be set back one hour, leading to sunrise and sunset coming an hour earlier. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 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
  • The reversal of fortune prompted network executives to grouse that the Emmys had become a three-hour commercial for streaming services.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The decision marks a dramatic reversal, after Ethiopian and Eritrean forces united in fighting the TPLF during the previous conflict.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of reversal
Verb
  • Rooms are conservatively classic, but common spaces don't hold back with requisite lobby lounge piano, over-the-top holiday decorations, a grand staircase, and marble fireplace.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Making matters worse, China is holding back fuel exports to avoid a shortage at home.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hold back
Noun
  • 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
  • Holding measles deaths out of the national update until certificates are final reverses that order.
    — Jess Steier, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of reverse
Verb
  • And its offense finally held up its end of the bargain, with Waymond Jordan punching in an eight-yard touchdown.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Brazil estimates that its deposits hold up to 21 million tons, second only to China.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 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
  • This helps all stages of the ecosystem, from the Uppsala spinout behind Leqembi, one of the first drugs to slow Alzheimer’s, through to Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca whose largest factory is in Södertälje.
    — Jan Larsson, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • However, a wall of wind shear is expected to slightly destabilize the storm just before landfall — slowing its wind speeds to 100 mph and broadening the system, spreading the high winds and heavy rains even further from the core of the storm.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of slow
Verb
  • If a student is detained or deported, college officials must try to help the student retain their eligibility for financial aid, research funding, housing stipends and other benefits the student was awarded, per the state policy.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • All five, as well as a sixth suspect detained later, were released on bail.
    — Steve Hendrix, Arkansas Online, 6 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about setback

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