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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of setback
Denise Quan, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024
Instead, zoning would set height limits, setbacks and design standards for apartment buildings.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Chad Graff, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
Studies have produced a range of estimates for the death toll over the course of 30 years as a result of the radiation release — but it is often cited as having set back America's nuclear-energy push for a generation.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for setback 
Noun
Despite the initial setbacks, the director believes timing couldn’t be better for a documentary with an uplifting message about facing adverse conditions with hope, humanity and a large dose of faith — whether spiritual or just belief in oneself.
—Denise Quan, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024
Instead, zoning would set height limits, setbacks and design standards for apartment buildings.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
Their 1-3 stretch without their starting quarterback set back their postseason aspirations, but suddenly the Dolphins are surging at the right time.
—Chad Graff, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
Studies have produced a range of estimates for the death toll over the course of 30 years as a result of the radiation release — but it is often cited as having set back America's nuclear-energy push for a generation.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for setback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setback
Noun
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Filip realized an inevitable role reversal had occurred.Fred Topel, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2024
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After a couple rounds of appeals and reversals, the man left the nursing home and died four days later.Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In traditional teams, individuals often hold back critical insights for fear of overstepping boundaries or creating conflict.Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
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Erin and Jack held back from sharing the news of their reunion at the dinner table and instead discussed the indictment for Badillo’s killer.Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The way to go at the bottom is to dollar cost average in and the way to get out is the same in reverse.Clem Chambers, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
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Jeremy Rivas scored on a four-yard reverse and Hector Gonzalez caught the two-point toss from Carlos Herrera for the game’s last points with 12 seconds left.Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Nickel hardware and high-quality leatherworking craftmanship make this a long-lasting toiletry bag that will hold up well over the course of a lifetime.Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024
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LaFleur appeared to get into a shouting match with a man that appeared to be on the field to help hold up the American flag during the national anthem prior to kickoff.Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to shake things up after returning to office, may delay Artemis even further.George Petras, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
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The looming multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall in Annapolis strongly suggests that some elements of the Blueprint may have to be delayed and, presumably, that includes spending more on teacher pay.Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Even if well-intentioned, over-regulation can leave businesses entangled in a web of compliance requirements that slow or even halt progress.Rizwan Jan, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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Nomura said slowed capital expenditures within tech, delays in the new Blackwell chip and the potential for growth being cooler than expected are all reasons to believe shares could fall off a cliff.Alex Harring, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Hundreds were detained and more than 100 treated for injuries.Sophiko Megrelidze, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
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Mangione has been detained at the State Correctional Institution at Huntingdon in Pennsylvania since he was denied bail late Monday.Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024
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 Dec. 2024.
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