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
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of setback
Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
These include waivers regarding setbacks, building separation, open space and landscaping.
—Jim Drummond, Oc Register, 4 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
Washington had a partner in its war in Iran—Netanyahu’s Israel—and Israel has experienced the conflict as a strategic setback.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
These include waivers regarding setbacks, building separation, open space and landscaping.
—Jim Drummond, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
Verb
Human development would be set back by a generation and our children would spend their lifetimes putting the pieces of progress back together again.
—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
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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
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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
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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
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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
-
Wembanyama has allowed Robinson to delay his decision-making.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
The game was delayed 1 hour, 7 minutes due to rain and lightning.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Now, with oil price momentum showing signs of slowing amid stuttering peace negotiations, the quant models may now be cutting back on their exposures.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
-
After the facility opened, delivery rates slowed.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
France has asked for its public prosecutor to investigate the treatment of French nationals who were detained by Israel after taking part in a flotilla headed for Gaza, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said today.—
Jay Ganglani,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
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Deluzio also said he was forbidden from speaking with Randy Cordova Flores, a Peruvian father who was arrested in January and is being detained at the facility.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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 12 Jun. 2026.
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