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
as in to hold back
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of setback
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Potential price setback for travelers For consumers, the loss of Spirit would result in a boost in air fares and reduction in flights, according to the carrier’s own analysis of figures supplied by the aviation data service Cirium.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
The original house was set back and silhouetted against the backdrop of trees.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Noun
After a setback in his rehab from last year’s elbow surgery — a flexor strain that could sideline him until after the All-Star break — Steele tweeted about the frustration of returning from a long layoff only to get delayed once again.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Potential price setback for travelers For consumers, the loss of Spirit would result in a boost in air fares and reduction in flights, according to the carrier’s own analysis of figures supplied by the aviation data service Cirium.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Verb
The 89,000-square-foot school will be set back from North Grove Avenue, with parking and the main entrance on the north side of the property and school bus dropoff and pickup to the south.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
The original house was set back and silhouetted against the backdrop of trees.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
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In recent years, the state Supreme Court has agreed to review multiple high-profile cases from Santa Clara County where prosecutors challenged an appellate court’s reversal of an initial conviction.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
What followed was a series of appeals and reversals that kept Rose on (and off) death row for nearly 50 years.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This is the same structural problem that has held back AI adoption in agriculture more broadly.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Ukraine has developed cutting-edge and battle-tested drone technology that has proved essential in holding back Russia’s bigger army and has drawn military interest from around the world.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There was more spirit, resilience and fight against Roberto De Zerbi’s side than Wolves had displayed in the second half of the 4-0 defeat at West Ham and almost the entirety of the 3-0 reverse at Leeds United.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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And the Knicks, who’d been turned over and scored on in transition regularly throughout the series, pulled an UNO reverse card, scoring 21 points off 19 Hawks turnovers on the night.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This Oxo spinner remains one of the most reliable options, with a smooth pump mechanism and sturdy construction that holds up better than most.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
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At 6-8, Johnson boasts a size advantage over the 6-4 Hart, but the latter has managed to hold up in that matchup.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The fight, though, kept getting delayed.—
Chang-rae Lee,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
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Plans were reportedly delayed after Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, but with her now in remission and feeling better, a tour is once again on the table.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Prediction markets have increased competition but have not significantly slowed the industry’s growth.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Suu Kyi, 80, has been detained by the junta since and her whereabouts have been unclear amid a deadly civil war that was triggered by the February 2021 coup that has engulfed much of the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
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The shooter was detained and is speaking to homicide detectives, police said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 2026
Verb
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As engine revs increase, centrifugal force alters the valve timing by a few degrees, either advancing or retarding it.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 17,
New Atlas,
17 June 2025
-
Genesis Yes, the thing retarding recruitment below pre-2022 levels may be, at least in part, a military-wide health-records update that, much like MyChart in the civilian health-care world, tracks the medications of all service members.—
Luther Ray Abel,
National Review,
9 Feb. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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