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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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
Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 Colorado rebounded from a 1-0 loss to the Padres on Tuesday in the team’s fourth such setback in Coors Field’s 26-year history. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026 In one fell swoop, years of progress on inflation was set back, and Americans’ pay gains were practically eaten away. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback
Noun
However, this latest setback has attracted stock pickers who think some names have been unfairly sold off. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 Colorado rebounded from a 1-0 loss to the Padres on Tuesday in the team’s fourth such setback in Coors Field’s 26-year history. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Iran’s ability to build and stockpile ballistic missiles and long-range drones has been set back for years, according to the White House. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026 In one fell swoop, years of progress on inflation was set back, and Americans’ pay gains were practically eaten away. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
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That’s a reversal of the 17-day window implemented during the pandemic years.— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
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National figures show a similar reversal.— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Cranes also were used to remove gates that hold back water.— Sarah Brumfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
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Elite soccer clubs have the biggest global reach in sports, but the lack of cost controls and threat of relegation have held back valuation gains.— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That same back-pedaling motion doubles as reverse, a function recumbent trike riders have wanted for years.— Omar Kardoudi April 20, New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2026
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There are hyper-local gags about the Williamsburg bar Union Pool and the undesirability of living in the Financial District, and a creature known as Rat Pizza — like Pizza Rat in reverse.— Alison Herman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Beyond positioning dynamics, investors have taken comfort in a macroeconomic backdrop that has held up better than feared.— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
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Spending in other discretionary areas, such as electronics and building materials, held up as well – indications of consumers’ willingness to spend as well as the influence of tax refunds, said Gary Schlossberg, global strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.— Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Old luggage barcode stickers can confuse airline systems and increase the risk of bags being misrouted or delayed.— Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
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Following exhibitions in 2018 and 2019, however, Olympic inclusion was scrapped when COVID-19 delayed the Games.— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Going to a zone defense slowed Minnesota down further in the fourth, but the Nuggets weren’t generating the shots they’re used to getting automatically.— Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
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Winning the battle One of the key battle points in this series is the Bruins’ attempt to slow down Buffalo’s talented defensemen.— Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The alleged perpetrator was immediately detained by police.— Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
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Wilcox was ordered to be detained in the Lake County jail following a hearing on Wednesday, according to court files.— Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 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
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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.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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