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

Relevance

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

Barring a setback in his final minor league rehab appearance, he could be activated in time for the playoffs. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 For Guhle, this is yet another physical setback among many that have plagued the 24-year-old’s NHL career. — Arpon Basu, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Verb

The attacks badly damaged some of the country’s most sensitive sites and, experts say, set back Tehran’s ability to build a bomb by years. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 With its height, the project takes advantage of the river and its views, unlike many parts of the region, where homes and buildings are set back from levees, Koss said. — Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

However, Bernstein pointed out that even if the global AI trade weakens, India is unlikely to see any major reversal of foreign capital flows.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
The move represents a reversal for the governor, who last year vetoed legislation to require data centers to report water use and expressed support for the facilities that serve artificial intelligence platforms.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

The designers and brands succeeding right now appear to be those who understand how to honor history and invigorate the brand, without being held back or weighed down by legacy.

— Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
But executives have otherwise offered few details, holding back until Wednesday's event.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

That leaves room for a potential drop in price if momentum goes in reverse, but the fundamental outlook is set to keep prices elevated.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
The power changeup that has been percolating through baseball ever since Félix Hernández and Zack Greinke dominated with the pitch seems to have reverse-platoon splits, according to the model.

— Eno Sarris, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

The lawsuit filed by the 12 states and a similar antitrust case filed by the Writers Guild of America West are the last obstacles holding up Paramount’s closing of the WBD acquisition.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
Beating a perennial playoff team like Green Bay would show that identity can hold up against tougher competition.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

Peterson agreed without hesitation to stay on and help with the funeral, delaying the start of his new position by two weeks.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
While some homeowners like to overseed warm-season lawns with a cool-season grass to keep the lawn green all winter, overseeding a permanent warm-season lawn with cool-season grasses may actually weaken it by delaying next spring’s early growth.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Over the weekend, Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, Elon Musk, CEO of xAI, and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman all said the pace of development has to slow down.

— The Miami Herald, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
The outbreak has shown signs of slowing since, but experts caution that the recovery may be patchwork.

— Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

Video taken after the shooting and obtained by CNN shows Garces Perez sitting on a curb with his hands cuffed behind his back as he’s detained by authorities.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Officers responded, detained and identified him, according to the department.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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