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
So too is a work ethic peers often describe as relentless, paired with a preternatural optimism that keeps him pushing through setbacks.
—
Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
There was no shortage of setbacks for stocks last week.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026
One loss to Broomfield and another to Northfield were Denver East’s lone in-state setbacks.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
That figure marks 20 quarters of growth for the brand overall, as other luxury behemoths such as LVMH and Gucci owner Kering have seen setbacks amid an ongoing luxury slump.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026
The Oakland commercial property market is struggling with financial setbacks that have triggered loan failures in some instances.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
The 12-day barrage came on the back of a series of setbacks for Iran’s leaders, including the crippling of its regional allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 28 Feb. 2026
Carey said the bankruptcy filing became a required step after Hawthorne's relationship with its lender and other creditors fell apart – leading to setbacks, including the inability to continue the harness racing season.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
For too long, Gator football has felt reactive; responding to criticism, responding to setbacks, responding to noise in the system.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
There was no shortage of setbacks for stocks last week.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026
One loss to Broomfield and another to Northfield were Denver East’s lone in-state setbacks.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
That figure marks 20 quarters of growth for the brand overall, as other luxury behemoths such as LVMH and Gucci owner Kering have seen setbacks amid an ongoing luxury slump.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026
The Oakland commercial property market is struggling with financial setbacks that have triggered loan failures in some instances.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
The 12-day barrage came on the back of a series of setbacks for Iran’s leaders, including the crippling of its regional allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 28 Feb. 2026
Carey said the bankruptcy filing became a required step after Hawthorne's relationship with its lender and other creditors fell apart – leading to setbacks, including the inability to continue the harness racing season.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
For too long, Gator football has felt reactive; responding to criticism, responding to setbacks, responding to noise in the system.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setbacks
Noun
-
For those willing to risk owning shares at slightly lower prices, call spread risk reversals could also be appropriate.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Following reversals against Aston Villa and Brentford at St James’ Park, Newcastle are enduring their worst run in the top flight at home since early 2021 under Steve Bruce.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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 9 Mar. 2026.
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