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

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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

Despite undergoing a blood transfusion, which briefly provided a glimpse of hope, Jackie continued to suffer setbacks in her recovery due to the sickness, which remained a mystery until Wednesday's announcement by California wildlife officials. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Part of investors’ concern about the company is tied to a data-center project in New Mexico that Oracle is building that’s run into setbacks. — Ellen Dimauro, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

Pediatricians are asking parents to prioritize getting their families vaccinated after Colorado set back-to-back records for children’s flu hospitalizations in the two most recent seasons. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 It is set back from the street in Upper Cole Valley, near Belgrave Street, and is surrounded by mature trees, gardens and views toward the city and bay. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

The 2018 tailspin had followed a massive momentum crescendo and reversal several months earlier, which gave way to an erratic tape that couldn't absorb what seemed at the time relatively unthreatening Federal Reserve tightening actions.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
In Georgia, Wesley’s Law, championed by Laura and Larry Gay after their son’s death, required public schools to stock overdose-reversal medication such as naloxone.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

Even as Kyiv launches a massive drone strike against the Russian city of St Petersburg and tries to hold back Russian forces on the ground, Zelenskyy is fighting on the diplomatic front to keep Washington in his country's corner.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Western intelligence sharing has helped Ukraine counter Russia’s devastating ballistic missiles and hold back Moscow’s full-scale invasion, which began more than 4½ years ago.

— Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

Heated grips come as standard, while a reversible gearshift mechanism allows riders to switch to a race-style reverse shifting pattern for circuit use.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel took the ball from quarterback Brock Purdy but then flipped it to Jacob Cowing on a reverse.

— Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

The offensive line held up Florida’s front had been on its heels against Missouri and South Carolina.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Conflicting accounts from those in attendance say he was either held up by traffic or held against his will by male priests, friends of his, who locked him in his room to prevent him from attending.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

More than 350 flights were canceled or delayed at Moscow airports, local media reported, as planes were grounded in response to incoming drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Green denied that characterization and declined to elaborate on the challenges that delayed the delivery beyond the missing money.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Despite a slowing economy and domestic labor-market pressures, China continues to subsidize and incentivize companies in Fujian to recruit young Taiwanese to work in the province.

— Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Introducing conscious thoughts actually disrupts this flow and slows down the process.

— Jesse Granger, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

Stephen Hubbard, 74, was sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony in 2024, after being detained in April 2022.

— Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
The legislation also calls for Atlanta and the Fulton County sheriff to negotiate a separate agreement covering how space and services will be shared, including housing people detained on municipal charges.

— CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of detain

Browse Nearby Words

set at

setback

set back

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Style

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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