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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of set back
Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
This will be the second time that the Puerto Rican megastar has graced the Super Bowl halftime show stage, having been a guest performer during Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s set back in 2020.
—Dan Rys, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2025
Brad Schlossman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
The research report noted 80% of American households age 60 and over would not be able to withstand a financial shock, such as a divorce or health setback, making savings in cash or cash-like securities important, Davis said.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Noun
The change seems to set back even further Stockdale’s original vision to introduce new jobs, boost attractions and break open a fortress-like property that has divided downtown communities.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
This will be the second time that the Puerto Rican megastar has graced the Super Bowl halftime show stage, having been a guest performer during Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s set back in 2020.
—Dan Rys, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Fighting Hawks will be coming off their first setback of the season.
—Brad Schlossman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
The research report noted 80% of American households age 60 and over would not be able to withstand a financial shock, such as a divorce or health setback, making savings in cash or cash-like securities important, Davis said.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set back
Noun
-
The reversal ends months of speculation about the future of one of Kansas City’s most celebrated fine-dining spots.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Doing so reveals a larger bearish formation that looks strikingly similar to the setup in mid-April — just before the market-wide reversal began.—
Frank Cappelleri,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This chasm exposes the fragmentation that’s holding back European innovation.—
Jan Hammer,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
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There is zero selfishness to his game, no holding back to prevent injury.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Maybe this inspires you to craft your own Steak Nuggets at home with our reverse-sear method.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
-
At the same time, the drone activates its reverse thrust mode, pressing its feet firmly against the vehicle’s surface.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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With thick foam cushions, a machine-washable cover and a 330-pound capacity, this kids couch will hold up to the toughest play.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 Oct. 2025
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Or look to heavy-duty hooks Made from heavy-duty steel, these hooks can hold up to 265 pounds.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In recent years, some Wyandotte residents have tried to get the government to delay or cancel its tax sales, which usually happen twice a year, to prevent people who have struggled to pay sky-rocketing property tax bills from losing their family homes.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 Oct. 2025
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The continued closure of the Rafah crossing is preventing delivery of equipment needed to find dead hostages and will therefore delay recovery efforts, Hamas said, according to Reuters.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Duffy, however, added that the absences were isolated, and the agency is prepared to slow air traffic as needed to meet controller staffing levels.—
John Tufts,
Freep.com,
21 Oct. 2025
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Whether this backlash will slow the data center boom, blacken the reputation of AI companies and their products with users, or hasten the roll-out of AI regulation globally remains to be seen.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Armed agents with fully automatic weapons of war stand outside the ICE facility in South Waterfront, where the city recently accused the agency of violating its own land-use permit by detaining people overnight.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
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Michigan State Police announced the discovery at the time, and while Jalen and Charla were questioned and even briefly detained, no formal charges were ever filed against the two — until now.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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
“Set back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20back. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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