Synonyms of setback

setback 1 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌbak 

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

• reversal
• reverse
• lapse
• reversion
• decline
• disappointment
• knock
• downfall
• frustration
• regression
• collapse
• turnaround
• breakdown
• letdown
• recession
• fall
• relapse
• comedown
• crash
• down
• retrogression
• turnabout
• ruin
• descent
• meltdown
• undoing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• status quo

set back

2 of 2

verb

as in to hold back

Related Words

• hold back
• hold up
• delay
• slow
• detain
• retard
• stretch (out)
• keep
• hinder
• cut off
• stem
• put off
• put over
• impede
• lay over
• dam
• block
• hesitate
• snag
• hold over
• balk
• hold off (on)
• pause
• obstruct
• clog
• blockade
• prolong
• baffle
• turn back
• lengthen
• hold
• extend
• defer
• bottleneck
• remit
• end
• rein (in)
• suspend
• conclude
• terminate
• protract
• shelve
• discontinue
• choke off
• suppress
• repress
• call
• stunt
• squelch
• squash
• stanch

Dissimilar Words

• keep (on)
• carry on
• continue
• run on
• keep up
• persist
• proceed
• move
• go along
• advance
• progress
• march
• follow through (with)
• fare
• push
• drive
• stir
• spur
• propel
• wend
• budge
• actuate
• impel
• goad

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of setback

Noun

When playing sports, Brees shares that children are likely to face setbacks, such as getting benched, dealing with an injury, or missing a winning shot. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 1 Aug. 2026

The Chiefs appeared to avoid a major setback, though, as a team source confirmed that tests showed Allen has a bone bruise and is considered day to day. — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

Tuchel does not believe that his standing has been set back to zero. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 19 July 2026

The previous record of 3,587,538 fans was set back in 1994, per CBS News. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026