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
as in to hold back
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of set back
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 June 2025
But Iran’s nuclear program has at most been set back a few months, according to a reported initial assessment by U.S. intelligence.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 25 June 2025
Deandre Evans, Mercury News, 25 June 2025
Despite setbacks — including talks of a walkout, which stalled when leadership got wind of the strategic move — the cheerleaders remained steadfast in their pursuit.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Noun
The strikes were not as effective as Trump said, however, setting back the country's nuclear program by three-to-six months, according to three people with knowledge of an initial Defense Intelligence Agency assessment.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 June 2025
But Iran’s nuclear program has at most been set back a few months, according to a reported initial assessment by U.S. intelligence.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 25 June 2025
Verb
While the high-speed rail project has faced undeniable setbacks, exacerbated by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the vision persists.
—Deandre Evans, Mercury News, 25 June 2025
Despite setbacks — including talks of a walkout, which stalled when leadership got wind of the strategic move — the cheerleaders remained steadfast in their pursuit.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set back
Noun
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Trump and his party have made the rollback of LGBTQ rights a nationwide priority, and more encroachments—perhaps even the reversal of Obergefell—appear to be on conservatives’ radar.—
Emma Sarappo,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2025
-
The policy represents a reversal for Fannie and Freddie, the two entities under government conservatorship that guarantee more than half of America’s mortgages.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
As the ball dropped, Potgieter's father, Heinrich, couldn't hold back his tears.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
-
As usual, Jacquemus didn’t hold back on his show, especially with his celebratory after party.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
30 June 2025
Noun
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In that case, the country could see something that resembles the two and a half decades of Gavi run in reverse.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
27 June 2025
-
This momentum isn’t an engine that can be thrown in reverse.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Not all of them hold up, but the ones that do benefit from sharp writing, laugh-out-loud comedy, and an entertainment value that transcends ideology.—
Chris DeVille,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
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Steaks like ribeye, prime New York strip, and chuck roast hold up well because the fat helps retain moisture during the freezing process.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Medical examiners ruled two other deaths in January and February to be from natural causes, but a Miami Herald investigation found evidence of substandard or delayed medical care.—
Claire Healy,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
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Other risks of delaying ovarian aging may remain unknown.—
Karina Zaiets,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
Verb
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The use of real-world data often comes with concerns and roadblocks—privacy risks, inconsistent formats, gaps in edge cases and regulatory hurdles can all slow development or skew outcomes.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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The pace of life in Austin slows over the summer months as snowbirds flee north and triple-digit temperatures spook would-be tourists.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
7 July 2025
Verb
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In Florida, three had been detained at the Krome Detention Center, one at the Broward Transitional Center and one at the federal detention center in downtown Miami.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2025
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Until recently, federal agents working to enforce his orders have detained more immigrants with criminal convictions or pending criminal charges than those without them each week, the data shows.—
Julia Ingram,
CBS News,
30 June 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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Blockchain thus provides companies and banks a way to undo Basel II’s and Basel III’s retarding effect on trade finance while complying with their requirements.—
Rebecca Liao,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Aug. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Set back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20back. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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