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

Spain lost the 2025 Nations League final to Portugal on penalties, its first defeat of note under De la Fuente in a major final, but the setback did nothing to unsettle the federation’s plan. — Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Despite that setback, clinical trials for psychedelics have continued apace with positive outcomes. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 19 July 2026

Verb

The previous record of 3,587,538 fans was set back in 1994, per CBS News. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 Like downstairs, each room has its own bay windows, but set back a bit to leave room for private terraces. — New Atlas, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

Adults are being told to spend a few minutes a day flat on the floor, chest down, head lifted, in a deliberate reversal of the posture that dominates most of modern life.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
This famed chemist had previously extolled the virtues of fertilizer as the answer to soil exhaustion, so his sudden reversal on the issue left a lasting impression on his contemporaries.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

United hold back 200 tickets from each away allocation (typically 3,000) for their players, and not all of these are taken.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Lenders financing these projects tend to hold back the money until the asset is covered for its full build cost, so the insurance question comes with a hard financial edge attached.

— Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

The synergy thesis that drives value in B2B services consolidation often works in reverse in consumer portfolios.

— Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
The design, available in six standard sizes, is handwoven from 100% Belgian linen flax and features a cotton-linen reverse.

— Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

That James would also partner with Draymond Green, a former adversary, current friend and ally that delayed his free agency to give the Warriors additional cap space to secure James.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
But the Mavericks would prefer to trade Thompson than buy him out, and that could delay or eliminate this option for Miami unless Thompson pushes for a buyout in the weeks ahead, something that remains a possibility.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

The Dash were able to slow down red-hot Karlie Lema, who had scored in each of Bay FC’s previous three matches.

— Staff report, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
Washington has ramped up export restrictions against China in recent years to slow the country’s development of AI and chips that could power its military.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

This spring, the FBI detained a former aide to Fauci, and federal officials banned a virus researcher in North Carolina from receiving federal funding.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Police detained Schmidt twice during the altercation, originally placing him into the police vehicle after the officer shot his black Labrador, according to eyewitness Paul Bates.

— Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026

Definition of detain

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

Definition of retard

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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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