SETBACK 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

These kids become more emotionally intelligent, which helps them weather setbacks, embrace independence and try new things. — Juli Fraga, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026 Amid the delays and setbacks, simply opening the museum may feel like a victory to its founders. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026

Verb

Key West is forecast to reach a high of 92 degrees and the old record of 95 degrees was set back in 1951. — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 There are more steps than most buyers anticipate, and the wrong move at the wrong time can set back your closing or cost you the loan. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

That would mark a steep reversal from the 50% growth the bank reported in its second quarter.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
The Saints could have folded after a second-quarter replay reversal took a touchdown off the board.

— Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

The 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer found that seven in 10 hold back from trusting anyone whose values, sources of information, background or approach to social problems differ from their own.

— Brian Peckrill, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Wong, meanwhile, born in Los Angeles’ Chinatown to Taishanese parents from China, had been steadily acting for years, but was held back from Dietrich’s level of success largely because of her race.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of hold back

Verb

Carried in on a throne held up by shirtless men, Bravo’s prodigal daughter takes the mic to speak to the crowd and reminisce on her ups and downs as an Atlanta Housewife.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
But those savings erode in a case like Cheshire, where workers completed a five-story, 70-unit building more than a year ago — but local building review has held up certificates of occupancy.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

Some of that January increase reflects workers who secured jobs during the final months of the previous year but delayed their start dates.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pouring billions of dollars into developing a domestic tech ecosystem under his Vision 2030 program, even as some mega-projects are delayed.

— Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Western officials and analysts say the Russian rate of advance has slowed significantly this year.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
In his first season after signing a three-year, $43-million deal in Chicago, he was significantly slowed by a knee injury in the early going.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

On Sunday, Turkish authorities cracked down on multiple LGBTQ+ groups and individuals, detaining dozens of members, breaking into association offices and raiding popular hangouts.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
Authorities detained at least 26 people in Istanbul and 21 in Ankara over the weekend and raided the offices of several LGBTQ+ associations.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of detain

Browse Nearby Words

set at

setback

set back

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on setback

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

facsimile

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes