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
But economic setbacks pale in comparison to tragic loss of life.
—
Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
This effort to grow the latest crop large enough to survive and thrive in nature took 10 years with setbacks that nearly derailed everything.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
Atkins recognizes the difficulty of navigating setbacks, and he has been impressed with the way Norfleet has gone about it.
—Dylan Heinrich, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
In the lead up to the meeting, the SLS rocket experienced a series of setbacks.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
To diVittorio, the minimum lot sizes are too big — and therefore expensive; setbacks from streets are too broad, eating up buildable land; and sidewalk requirements are too costly, getting passed off to consumers.
—Mark Dee
march 12, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
Things are going strong between Jack and Mel, however, as the couple weathers a few setbacks on their journey to finally adopt a baby from one of Mel's patients, Marley, though the unforeseen return of a past obstacle threatens to derail their plans once again.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Still, the rocket has faced its fair share of setbacks and snafus as the company moves to testing version 3 of the giant rocket.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026
Community responds with skepticism, disdain Online, Austinites voiced their frustrations with the club’s pattern of financial setbacks.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
This effort to grow the latest crop large enough to survive and thrive in nature took 10 years with setbacks that nearly derailed everything.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
Atkins recognizes the difficulty of navigating setbacks, and he has been impressed with the way Norfleet has gone about it.
—Dylan Heinrich, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
In the lead up to the meeting, the SLS rocket experienced a series of setbacks.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
To diVittorio, the minimum lot sizes are too big — and therefore expensive; setbacks from streets are too broad, eating up buildable land; and sidewalk requirements are too costly, getting passed off to consumers.
—Mark Dee
march 12, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
Things are going strong between Jack and Mel, however, as the couple weathers a few setbacks on their journey to finally adopt a baby from one of Mel's patients, Marley, though the unforeseen return of a past obstacle threatens to derail their plans once again.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Still, the rocket has faced its fair share of setbacks and snafus as the company moves to testing version 3 of the giant rocket.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026
Community responds with skepticism, disdain Online, Austinites voiced their frustrations with the club’s pattern of financial setbacks.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setbacks
Noun
-
No reasons have been given publicly for the reversals, though Australian news outlets reported that local Iranian groups as suggesting the women had faced pressure from Tehran.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Bryant's organization provided materials to USA Today that did not appear to have concessions or changes made by Target following actions taken last year, and a spokesperson said there have been no new commitments and no reversals.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 2026.
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