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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 set back
Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
This will be the second time that the Puerto Rican megastar has graced the Super Bowl halftime show stage, having been a guest performer during Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s set back in 2020.
—Dan Rys, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2025
Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
Financing setbacks such as loan defaults, foreclosures and a plunge in property values have begun to haunt a growing number of hotels in the Bay Area.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Noun
The change seems to set back even further Stockdale’s original vision to introduce new jobs, boost attractions and break open a fortress-like property that has divided downtown communities.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
This will be the second time that the Puerto Rican megastar has graced the Super Bowl halftime show stage, having been a guest performer during Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s set back in 2020.
—Dan Rys, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
After Cobenfy suffered a setback in a separate trial earlier this year, a successful one here could help improve sentiment.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
Financing setbacks such as loan defaults, foreclosures and a plunge in property values have begun to haunt a growing number of hotels in the Bay Area.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set back
Noun
-
The reversal ends months of speculation about the future of one of Kansas City’s most celebrated fine-dining spots.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Doing so reveals a larger bearish formation that looks strikingly similar to the setup in mid-April — just before the market-wide reversal began.—
Frank Cappelleri,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Everybody behind the camera could barely hold back the guffaws.—
Cameron Crowe,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Following the loss, Redick did not hold back from criticizing his team for their third quarter performance.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Coast Guard personnel issued multiple verbal commands to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to comply and proceeded to put the vehicle in reverse.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Coast Guard personnel told the driver to stop several times but the driver then allegedly put the truck in reverse and suddenly sped backward toward the Coast Guard security officials, DHS said on Friday.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
With thick foam cushions, a machine-washable cover and a 330-pound capacity, this kids couch will hold up to the toughest play.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Or look to heavy-duty hooks Made from heavy-duty steel, these hooks can hold up to 265 pounds.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
A day earlier, flights were delayed at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, New Jersey’s Newark airport and Washington’s Reagan National Airport because of air traffic controller shortages.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
-
His discharge has been delayed due to his father’s detention.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Soluble Fiber Makes Kiwi a Low-Glycemic-Index Food The soluble fiber in kiwi helps slow digestion and control how quickly sugar gets absorbed into the bloodstream, said Charlize Del Rosario, RD, CNSC, a dietitian at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, part of Keck Medicine of USC.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
28 Oct. 2025
-
In times of distress and blood loss, the body responds by slowing circulation to our fingers and our toes, preserving blood flow to our heart, and our brain.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
More than 60 South Korean nationals were deported from Cambodia and police are seeking to detain most of them over allegations they were involved in online scams.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
-
While deputies searched the shelter, a man fell through the ceiling and was immediately detained, Enriquez said.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
25 Oct. 2025
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
“Set back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20back. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share