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

Relevance

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

The Dodgers can likely afford some pitching setbacks given their depth, but the latest injury stint adds another layer of urgency facing a staff that has already required plenty of maneuvering this season. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Together, the setbacks also highlight a broader challenge for Taiwan, which is developing a layered defense system while drone technology evolves faster than traditional military procurement programmes can adapt. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

Verb

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 One elegant multi-story villa set back behind metal gates appears intact but the back of the building has been heavily damaged. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback

Noun

In a major reversal, Illinois regulators have proposed letting cannabis companies grow cannabis outdoors, a move that would significantly lower energy consumption and cultivation costs — though home growers would be out of luck.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
That reversal runs counter to the usual assumption that younger generations are more relaxed, more collaborative, and less judgmental about money than their parents were.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of reversal

Verb

Early results from some Central Arkansas school districts suggest that most third graders who didn't pass the ATLAS received an exemption and were promoted anyway, though districts still may be holding back more students than in previous years.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2026
The new on-pitch laws… There was confusion at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup, when substitute Fin Cartwright was held back from entering the pitch straight away.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold back

Noun

Four plays later, on a reverse, Hunt and Jihaad Campbell were quickly in the backfield and helped shut down the play.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
That combined experience informs Hades Films’ goal of creating theatrical horror made for Gen Z — without treating younger audiences like a market segment that can be reverse-engineered.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of reverse

Verb

While rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling held up pretty well, Panthers reserve guards Chandler Zavala and Brady Christensen got beaten up inside.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2026
But hold up, cowboys and cowgirls, ‘cause the real Americana comes out in Joe’s monologue to her family over the most cursed McNamara family breakfast so far.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold up

Verb

Yet just days before, Sonora reported its first screwworm infestation, though the single case doesn’t appear to have slowed the US Department of Agriculture’s plans.

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Still, a slowing Chinese market and underutilization have forced domestic companies — such as BYD, Geely and more — to begin exporting to major auto markets globally, including Europe, Canada and South America.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

He was detained in March last year and deported to El Salvador, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and other administration officials, later admitted that the removal was due to a clerical error.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
As the court met Monday on Yabloko’s appeal, the party’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse and Russian media reported that several dozen people were detained.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of detain

Browse Nearby Words

set at

setback

set back

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of setback

noun

verb

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