as in reversal
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
The explorers persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hold back
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of set back
Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
Many Republicans left satisfied, though their assessments of how much Iran’s nuclear program was set back by the bombing varied.
—Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
Also, the developer requests waivers of local requirements for open space, renewable energy and property setbacks to reduce costs and keep the project affordable.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Noun
With Netanyahu's visit, the timing of which was first reported by Axios, Trump will embrace the Israeli leader while continuing to push back against skeptical questions from Democratic lawmakers and others about how far U.S. and Israeli strikes have set back Iran's nuclear program.
—Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
Many Republicans left satisfied, though their assessments of how much Iran’s nuclear program was set back by the bombing varied.
—Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Verb
The implications of the Democrats’ current predicament extend far beyond immediate legislative setbacks.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
Also, the developer requests waivers of local requirements for open space, renewable energy and property setbacks to reduce costs and keep the project affordable.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for set back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set back
Noun
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Under this thinking, the U.S. has gotten used to outperforming global markets for years, so a months-long reversal is not necessarily catastrophic.—
Rafael Nam,
NPR,
7 July 2025
-
The reversal comes after a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding transgender issues, prompting the appeals court to request new briefs from both sides.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Pat Riley held back from making big moves until he got involved in a three-team trade that brought Norman Powell to town.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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There’s the notion that trying to hold back tears only makes someone cry harder, and that’s kind of what happens to Mistress trying not to be mad about her Snatch Game result.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Noun
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In reverse, Clemson fans may grow up with Notre Dame occupying similar real estate to Georgia.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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More than 80 years ago, the crew of the USS New Orleans, having been hit by a Japanese torpedo and losing scores of sailors, performed hasty repairs with coconut logs, before a 1,800-mile voyage across the Pacific in reverse.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Steaks like ribeye, prime New York strip, and chuck roast hold up well because the fat helps retain moisture during the freezing process.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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Not all of them hold up, but the ones that do benefit from sharp writing, laugh-out-loud comedy, and an entertainment value that transcends ideology.—
Chris DeVille,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Apple looks to have delayed the release of the new macOS hardware into 2026.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
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The flight has since been delayed and is now expected to depart from Sydney at 7:25 a.m.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Low-hanging clouds also prevented helicopters from reaching the area, slowing down efforts.—
Michelle Krupa,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
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Another easy way to naturally slow inflammation from bites is ice.—
Sarah Y. Wu,
Glamour,
7 July 2025
Verb
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In Spring Valley earlier this month, sheriff’s deputies were called in as federal agents conducting immigration enforcement detained two people on a residential street.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
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In Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties, federal agents monitored courthouse dockets in order to detain defendants for immigration proceedings, Ninth Judicial District Chief Judge John Neiley wrote in an April 8 order instructing federal agents to stop.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
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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Blockchain thus provides companies and banks a way to undo Basel II’s and Basel III’s retarding effect on trade finance while complying with their requirements.—
Rebecca Liao,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Aug. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Set back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20back. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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