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
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Dillon is here to compete for a short-yardage role and serve as insurance in case Brooks suffers a setback in camp.
—Mike Kaye
march 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Joshua Hammer, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Iran's attack on Qatar has set back the country's ability to resume gas production after the war ends.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Noun
And in today's economic environment, where household debt is at record highs and unpaid debts are trending upward, even a temporary setback can quickly become a major financial issue.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Dillon is here to compete for a short-yardage role and serve as insurance in case Brooks suffers a setback in camp.
—Mike Kaye
march 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Great Kanto Earthquake and the ensuing conflagration killed 140,000 people, traumatized the country, and set back Japanese industrial production for years.
—Joshua Hammer, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Iran's attack on Qatar has set back the country's ability to resume gas production after the war ends.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
-
The reversal comes after Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta and the UCLA Voting Rights Project launched legal challenges last week, arguing the sheriff has no authority over election materials.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The reversals could have massive implications for the November midterm elections, particularly in competitive congressional districts where small swings could determine control of the House.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Padma Lakshmi didn't hold back when talking about the way Vice President JD Vance adapted (or didn't) to his wife Usha Vance's culture.—
Mariyam Muhammad,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The older consensus assumes Washington would still try to stabilize the situation—escort shipping, surge regional forces, send warnings, hold back from hitting the mainland.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But remember — the formula works in reverse, too.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Plus, its 8000mAh battery not only lasts all day but also supports reverse charging.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Rendered in textured brass, the piece can hold up to four candles and evokes the Italian studio’s monolithic, architectural design practice.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But each of its components holds up under scrutiny, according to reporting from Healthline and Time.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Two weeks ago, flights in the DC metro region were delayed due to a strong chemical odor at the Potomac TRACON.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The incident triggered ground stops, with flights delayed or held for extended periods.—
De'Anthony Taylor,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The result, investigators say, is a multi-jurisdictional maze—one that complicates oversight and slows accountability.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Growth slowed in a majority of the nation’s counties between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, the Census said.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Police detain Nerdeen Kiswani during a protest on April 12, 2024, in New York.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The Department of Homeland Security detained Avila without bond and began deportation proceedings.—
AUDREY McAVOY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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 2 Apr. 2026.
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