SET BACK 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

Barring a setback, the schedule allows for Ohtani to make five starts on at least five days’ rest before the end of the regular season. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 The game’s release has faced several setbacks including leaks, delays and economic uncertainty. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

But after kids return to school, the summer out-of-office messages turn off, and the realities of daily life set back in after Labor Day, beach towns take on an entirely different look and feel. — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026 But the mission in June 2025 was halted in advance of battle damage assessments and was not restarted after those assessments concluded that the program had set back the Iranian program by only a year or two. — Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

The reversal underscores how quickly the calculations of Asia’s wealthy can change.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The rebound marked a sharp reversal from the crypto downturn that began last October.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

He was scheduled to throw over the weekend with El Paso but was held back after tweaking his back while working between starts.

— Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Ryan didn't hold back in Freedom's Instagram comments after the ejection, calling out the WNBA for failing to stand up for female athletes as the league's position on the trans issue keeps falling apart.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

After offside penalty on the Hawks on the PAT, the Warriors go for two and failed to convert on a wide receiver reverse.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
The theory itself doesn’t go into something as granular as biological aging, but the idea of life moving in reverse led me to fungi.

— Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

The spot reimagines Tatum as a modern-day queen, an extravagant, cinematic concept that gave her room to actually perform rather than simply hold up a product.

— Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Natural and lab-grown diamonds are sturdy enough to hold up to everyday wear, with gems like sapphire and moissanite right behind them.

— Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

During the first quarter of this year, around $130 billion worth of data center projects were blocked or delayed due to local opposition, according to a report from Data Center Watch.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
The classroom pipeline feeds directly into Russia’s conscription system, which requires all 18-year-old men to complete one year’s military service, though in reality many avoid or delay being drafted.

— Bloomberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Today, consumers are struggling with growing inflation and slowing entry-level hiring, and Jenner is turning from flashing her private jets and multiple mansions to highlighting the flash of rhinestones placed on her everyday goods.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Roundabouts now are less likely to have multiple lanes, striping has changed, and entrances to the circles have slightly sharper curves to slow down motorists.

— Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

Prosecutors said that soon afterward, law enforcement detained both defendants and opened a duffle bag Olvera had carried.

— City News Service, Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
Ordered detained until trial, he was found dead in his cell at a New York federal jail in August 2019 and his death was ruled a suicide.

— Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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