setback 1 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌbak How to pronounce setback (audio)
Definition of setbacknext
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

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
In a setback for publishers worried about the effects of AI search, a US federal judge has dismissed lawsuits filed by Chegg and Penske Media against Google. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026 Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the work Dru Smith was able to put in during the offseason should ease the recovery reacclimation from this latest setback. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
They also must be set back 10 feet from the front property line, with landscaping required in that setback to screen the wall from view. — Luisa Yanez updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Clocks will be set back one hour, leading to sunrise and sunset coming an hour earlier. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
  1. reversal
  2. hold back
  3. reverse
  4. hold up
  5. delay
  6. slow
  7. detain
  8. retard
Noun
  • The reversal of fortune prompted network executives to grouse that the Emmys had become a three-hour commercial for streaming services.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The decision marks a dramatic reversal, after Ethiopian and Eritrean forces united in fighting the TPLF during the previous conflict.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of reversal
Verb
  • Rooms are conservatively classic, but common spaces don't hold back with requisite lobby lounge piano, over-the-top holiday decorations, a grand staircase, and marble fireplace.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Making matters worse, China is holding back fuel exports to avoid a shortage at home.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hold back
Noun
  • Holding measles deaths out of the national update until certificates are final reverses that order.
    — Jess Steier, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Available options include bicycle carriers, a side awning and a color reverse camera system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of reverse
Verb
  • And its offense finally held up its end of the bargain, with Waymond Jordan punching in an eight-yard touchdown.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Brazil estimates that its deposits hold up to 21 million tons, second only to China.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of hold up
Verb
  • Walter Mischel, a psychologist who taught at Stanford and Columbia, conducted some of the most famous studies on delaying gratification in the late 1960s and 1970s.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Parents who addressed the board on Thursday urged the district to delay the vote and take more time to review logistics.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • These are rooms that encourage guests to slow down, disconnect from digital intrusions, and recenter themselves.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The project’s lengthy construction timeline and challenging terrain could push costs higher, while slowing demand could leave buyers locked into take-or-pay contracts lasting 20 years or more, Yoo said.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of slow
Verb
  • If a student is detained or deported, college officials must try to help the student retain their eligibility for financial aid, research funding, housing stipends and other benefits the student was awarded, per the state policy.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • All five, as well as a sixth suspect detained later, were released on bail.
    — Steve Hendrix, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of detain
Verb
  • But that approach is rather slow to respond and is limited to applying retarding force.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2018
Definition of retard

Browse Nearby Words

set at
setback
set back
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Cite this Entry

“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on setback

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about setback

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