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

When playing sports, Brees shares that children are likely to face setbacks, such as getting benched, dealing with an injury, or missing a winning shot. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 1 Aug. 2026 The Chiefs appeared to avoid a major setback, though, as a team source confirmed that tests showed Allen has a bone bruise and is considered day to day. — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

The delays followed inclement weather in the region on Monday night, which also set back the immediate rescue efforts, according to police superintendent Sonam Doma Bhutia. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 July 2026 The disease savaged the American economy, set back the education of a generation of American children, inflamed political divisions, and undermined confidence in vital public health protections, including vaccination. — David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

Offensive tackles have a good day Reserve offensive tackles Charlie Heck, Gottlieb Ayedze, Kevin Cline and Marques Cox had a good showing in Thursday’s 11-on-11 session of practice, a reversal from their recent fortunes.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Key Background Trump over the weekend walked back threats to launch major attacks on Iran, part of a pattern of reversals throughout the course of conflict.

— Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

But holding back defers crucial conversations about goals, methods, and the limits of American aid.

— Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026
Like many inland dikes, the barrier in agricultural fields near the small town of Waddinxveen, east of The Hague, is made of peat that needs to be damp to be strong enough to hold back water.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

Every region carried its own signal while simultaneously blocking unwanted reverse-moving waves from its neighboring region.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Its subtle color palette is made up of versatile neutrals, and the 100% cotton reverse side features a microscopic brown diamond pattern.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

He was held up in the lobby and shot five times while trying to get away.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
That would guarantee exclusive 45-day theatrical windows and a moratorium on distributing the movies on streaming services for at least 90 days, with potentially financial penalties if Paramount failed to hold up its end of the bargain.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

Conditions that are too cold might delay proofing or rising, resulting in a super-dense loaf.

— Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
Cellphone use before bed delays the natural drop in cortisol that teenagers need to fall asleep, according to Alice Hoagland, PhD, director of the Insomnia Clinic at the Rochester Regional Sleep Disorder Center.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Somebody on the vendor side said that if American companies slow down here, somebody else wins.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Oznur Bell One of the journey’s guides, who was operating the vessel, spotted the hippo and slowed the boat in an attempt not to disturb it, Oznur said.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

Deputies detained the suspect, later identified as Taele, and located his vehicle in the golf club's parking lot, the sheriff's department said.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Deputies detained Farinacci the same day about a half-mile from where the fire started and questioned him, but he was ultimately released, Nowels said.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 4 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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