as in reversal
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
The explorers persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls.
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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
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Potential price setback for travelers For consumers, the loss of Spirit would result in a boost in air fares and reduction in flights, according to the carrier’s own analysis of figures supplied by the aviation data service Cirium.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
On the other hand, if Musk wins, his own xAI company could set back a major rival and potentially leap ahead.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Noun
After a setback in his rehab from last year’s elbow surgery — a flexor strain that could sideline him until after the All-Star break — Steele tweeted about the frustration of returning from a long layoff only to get delayed once again.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Potential price setback for travelers For consumers, the loss of Spirit would result in a boost in air fares and reduction in flights, according to the carrier’s own analysis of figures supplied by the aviation data service Cirium.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Verb
In addition to world-class golf, there are boutique hotels like Habitas Tulum, comprised of 32 ultra-posh canvas tents, most of which are set back in the jungle under the cover of palm and sea grape trees.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
On the other hand, if Musk wins, his own xAI company could set back a major rival and potentially leap ahead.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
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The report does not provide evidence to support the claims against Shoigu, who was formerly seen as very close to Putin, and a bid to unseat the Russian president would mark a stark reversal in allegiance.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
-
The daily chart of IGV is taking the shape of a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders reversal pattern.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
An anchor who holds back may have a tougher time.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
-
Right now, cities are starved of revenue because large commercial property owners are paying artificially low, outdated tax rates and that holds back local investment in schools, housing and infrastructure.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Stem cells can also be reverse-engineered in labs from adult skin or blood cells.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
-
Vladimir Putin is losing the Russian people as the economy and his war machine go in reverse amid withering Ukrainian attacks.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
This Oxo spinner remains one of the most reliable options, with a smooth pump mechanism and sturdy construction that holds up better than most.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
At 6-8, Johnson boasts a size advantage over the 6-4 Hart, but the latter has managed to hold up in that matchup.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The fight, though, kept getting delayed.—
Chang-rae Lee,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
Plans were reportedly delayed after Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, but with her now in remission and feeling better, a tour is once again on the table.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Tasks, messages, or requests may stack up quickly, but trying to handle everything at once will slow you down.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 May 2026
-
In recent years the appetite for period dramas slowed a little bit.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Suu Kyi, 80, has been detained by the junta since and her whereabouts have been unclear amid a deadly civil war that was triggered by the February 2021 coup that has engulfed much of the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
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The shooter was detained and is speaking to homicide detectives, police said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 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 9 May. 2026.
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