as in reversal
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
the colonists 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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of setback
Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
However, the following jackets will work well for many travelers despite a few setbacks.
—Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025
Mary Logan Bikoff, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Manipulating the exchange rate would set back efforts to internationalize the yuan.
—William Pesek, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for setback 
Noun
The judge’s opinion on the buyout plan marks a rare legal win in the short existence of DOGE, which has faced court setbacks in efforts to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development and access the Treasury Department’s payment systems.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
However, the following jackets will work well for many travelers despite a few setbacks.
—Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
In late November, the Iron Horse was set back out to pasture in the cornfield, now in a shiny new coat of black paint, sitting atop a Georgia granite plinth.
—Mary Logan Bikoff, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Manipulating the exchange rate would set back efforts to internationalize the yuan.
—William Pesek, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
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Soter said companies that had been preparing to meet the rule's requirements could see the writing on the wall, with Donald Trump's election victory marking a reversal from the climate action under President Joe Biden.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
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This stark reversal of values is a signature of the Trump restoration.—
Michelle Goldberg,
The Mercury News,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In a new video for Allure, Palmer didn't hold back.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
7 Feb. 2025
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Explore Bush Gavin Rossdale See latest videos, charts and news Speaking on Canada’s Q with Tom Power, the rocker didn’t hold back on his concerns about the modern music business.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The latter stars Brad Pitt as a man born with the physical appearance and ailments of an elderly person, who ages in reverse.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
12 Feb. 2025
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Spanglish Year: 2004 Runtime: 2 hours 11 minutes Director: James L. Brooks Stars: Adam Sandler, Téa Leoni, and Paz Vega James L. Brooks’s caustic comedy of family and class hits like a dark chocolate in reverse, the bitterness giving way to a faintly sweet finish.—
Charles Bramesco,
Vulture,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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While on the House floor on Monday, Mace held up handcuffs.—
Rachel Schilke,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
11 Feb. 2025
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Nevertheless, the economy was holding up reasonably well.—
Jason Furman,
Foreign Affairs,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The opening of the jail had been delayed, the red carpet stored away, the prisoners' transfers into this facility put on hold.—
Keith Sharon,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Additionally, decisions on pending petitions to expand coverage to autoimmune and cardiac conditions will be delayed and there will be fewer people to intervene when there are problems with prescriptions and treatment, according to Chevat.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The trade war has added worry to financial markets that are already concerned over persistent inflation and how the duties might slow the U.S. economy and harm profits.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2025
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Rate hikes are intended to slow borrowing and spending to cool inflation.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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After her rights were read and she was issued the citation, LeBaron was let out of the vehicle and not detained.—
Gary Warth,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2025
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Flores was located in the home and detained without issue.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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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
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Turning the lithium oxide—the product of discharging the battery—back to lithium is difficult and only partially possible even when assisted by special catalysts: The oxide builds up and retards the process, limiting the number of charge-discharge cycles to a mere handful.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
31 Jan. 2011
Thesaurus Entries Near setback
Cite this Entry
“Setback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setback. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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