as in reversals
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
the colonists persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls
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Recent Examples of setbacks
Putin has increasingly faced setbacks on the battlefield as a Ukrainian drone strike campaign disrupts critical logistics routes and public support at home wanes.
—
Jane Lytvynenko, NBC news, 6 June 2026
One of the most frightening setbacks came when Asher developed an MRSA bloodstream infection that originated in his port — the device connected to his heart that allows doctors to administer treatment.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Frampton chronicles his 1970s rise to fame, his career setbacks, and his determination to perform in spite of his IBM battle.
—Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
These include waivers regarding setbacks, building separation, open space and landscaping.
—Jim Drummond, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
Starship and Blue Moon both have a ways to go before NASA will certify the vehicles to fly astronauts, so any time lost on that front by Blue Origin could further narrow NASA's options and increase the risk of setbacks to the agency's lunar landing timeline.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 3 June 2026
Zach Lahn, a businessman and farmer, narrowly defeated Representative Randy Feenstra in the Republican primary, delivering one of the most significant setbacks to Trump’s political operation since his return to office.
—Nik Popli, Time, 3 June 2026
Instead, the school faced setbacks — including safety problems that forced it to move and a $20,000 settlement with the parents of a young student — and the legal effort fizzled.
—Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
The district has become even more important following setbacks to Democratic redistricting efforts in other states.
—Mathew Miranda
june 3, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
Jane Lytvynenko, NBC news, 6 June 2026
One of the most frightening setbacks came when Asher developed an MRSA bloodstream infection that originated in his port — the device connected to his heart that allows doctors to administer treatment.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Frampton chronicles his 1970s rise to fame, his career setbacks, and his determination to perform in spite of his IBM battle.
—Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
These include waivers regarding setbacks, building separation, open space and landscaping.
—Jim Drummond, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
Starship and Blue Moon both have a ways to go before NASA will certify the vehicles to fly astronauts, so any time lost on that front by Blue Origin could further narrow NASA's options and increase the risk of setbacks to the agency's lunar landing timeline.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 3 June 2026
Zach Lahn, a businessman and farmer, narrowly defeated Representative Randy Feenstra in the Republican primary, delivering one of the most significant setbacks to Trump’s political operation since his return to office.
—Nik Popli, Time, 3 June 2026
Instead, the school faced setbacks — including safety problems that forced it to move and a $20,000 settlement with the parents of a young student — and the legal effort fizzled.
—Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
The district has become even more important following setbacks to Democratic redistricting efforts in other states.
—Mathew Miranda
june 3, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setbacks
Noun
-
For 50 years, the case has generated theories and verdicts and reversals and books and television specials.—
Kate Casey,
Vanity Fair,
2 June 2026
-
The reversals, recoveries, and successes often receive far less coverage.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
The year ahead now promises multiple serious reverses.—
David Miliband,
Time,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Most of those came on reverses or other wide runs.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Setbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setbacks. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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