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
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 set back
Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025
And even if the recent American strikes on Iran set back Tehran’s program for a while, other countries may build their own.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025
Rob Reed, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Routh, who is representing himself, suffered a setback at the start of jury selection.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Noun
That could set back research at a critical time.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025
And even if the recent American strikes on Iran set back Tehran’s program for a while, other countries may build their own.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
Regardless of these setbacks, Lando Norris has executed a brilliant and nearly flawless comeback to take a commanding lead in the WDC.
—Rob Reed, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Routh, who is representing himself, suffered a setback at the start of jury selection.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set back
Noun
-
But Morgan Stanley’s Clapp viewed the merger reversal as a potential catalyst for Kraft Heinz.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The shift marks a radical reversal in one of the biggest mass migrations in the world.—
Megan Janetsky,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
They’re all held back by different things – pride, fear, shame – but all of them, in one way or another, are eventually set free by the truth.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
-
While Bernhardt praises her gifts, the French diva doesn’t hold back in her stinging criticism of the production, calling it the same old prewar Italian theater, out of touch with the times.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some photographers flip this assumed authenticity on its head by reverse-engineering studios and sets to resemble homes.—
Megan Williams,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Today, that flow is in reverse.—
Steven Dudash,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
It’s held up beautifully, even without a top sheet underneath.—
Ali Faccenda,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Rusted shelving was also found in the dry storage area, along with a shelf near a mop sink being held up by bricks.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After lightning delayed kickoff for an hour, Colleyville Heritage (1-1) fell behind quickly in a back-and-forth game.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
In the last few years, Beyoncé, Pink, and Noah Kahan, among others, have had concerts canceled or delayed by extreme lightning, rain, or wildfire smoke.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
These ingredients reflect a growing shift in pet wellness away from simply slowing joint deterioration and toward rebuilding comfort, restoring flexibility, and reducing inflammation at the source.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Overseas investors' appetite for Japanese bonds has also declined, with purchases slowing since April, Japan Securities Dealers Association data showed.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ayman Soliman, a former hospital chaplain, has been detained by immigration authorities since July after losing his asylum status.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Officers detained the man but released him soon afterward, police sources said.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
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
“Set back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20back. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share