as in reversal
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
the colonists 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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of setback
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
In the previous vote, only 310 Bundestag members voted for Merz to become chancellor in a highly unexpected and unprecedented setback.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 6 May 2025
Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
The elimination of most of the U.S. humanitarian and development funding can’t help but set back those efforts, many here say.
—Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for setback
Noun
Mendoza said his 6-8 weeks for a return to action, but obliques are sensitive enough that setbacks occur relatively often.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
In the previous vote, only 310 Bundestag members voted for Merz to become chancellor in a highly unexpected and unprecedented setback.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 6 May 2025
Verb
This is not Pfizer’s first set back with danuglipron, specifically, either.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
The elimination of most of the U.S. humanitarian and development funding can’t help but set back those efforts, many here say.
—Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
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The president’s public pressure campaign on the Fed comes as the central bank faces an ironic, whiplash-inducing reversal.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
8 May 2025
-
Since Bloomberg first reported the reversal on Wednesday, Nvidia and AMD stocks have gained 4.4% and 3.4%, respectively.—
Niamh Rowe,
Quartz,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
Taylor Frankie Paul's family isn't holding back their opinions on the trials and tribulations the reality star has been facing.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
15 May 2025
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The Setting Alexander Valley Cabernet, and a small number of cases were held back in the wine library after the auction to save for their 10th anniversary.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Seeing this enormous collective enterprise take shape in real time—much of it by trial and error—was like witnessing history in reverse.—
Rachel Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2025
-
Unloading, needless to say, is just the same process in reverse.—
Ben Coxworth
May 07,
New Atlas,
7 May 2025
Verb
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While the concept of a unisex scent is relatively tame in 2025, the fragrance still holds up.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
2 May 2025
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These issues were holding up his overall support over the last three months.—
Christian Paz,
Vox,
2 May 2025
Verb
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Early morning flights are typically the least likely to be canceled or delayed, and taking nonstop flights whenever possible reduces your chances of an issue during your journey.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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The board also leaves out other considerations that people have for delaying or not having children: the environmental crisis, for one example.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
Verb
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For Krispy Kreme, profitability appears to be the key reason for slowing the rollout with McDonald’s.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
8 May 2025
-
Going to manual means slowing down your biological instincts.—
Stephen Miles,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Over the past few months, university students and activists on valid visas have been pursued by ICE and subsequently detained or even deported for being outspoken on political issues.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Footage of the incident appeared to show agents pushing residents who were protesting as federal immigration agents attempted to detain a woman.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Blockchain thus provides companies and banks a way to undo Basel II’s and Basel III’s retarding effect on trade finance while complying with their requirements.—
Rebecca Liao,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Aug. 2017
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Turning the lithium oxide—the product of discharging the battery—back to lithium is difficult and only partially possible even when assisted by special catalysts: The oxide builds up and retards the process, limiting the number of charge-discharge cycles to a mere handful.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
31 Jan. 2011
Cite this Entry
“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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