Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for setback. Search instead for setscr.
Definitions

setback

[set-bak] / ˈsɛtˌbæk /
NOUN
disappointment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blow defeat delay difficulty hindrance impediment misfortune obstacle reversal set-back slowdown stumbling block trouble
STRONG
about-face bath check comedown flip-flop hitch rebuff regress regression reverse upset
WEAK
backset drawing board holdup reversal of fortune whole new ballgame
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance advantage aid assistance blessing expedition furtherance help
WEAK
achievement boon boost success

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For the ballroom to suffer a setback in federal court, then, is for the whole world to be in sudden danger.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Factories seemed poised for a rebound this year, making higher input costs an unfortunate setback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Namibia has rejected an application by Elon Musk-owned Starlink for a licence to provide satellite internet services in the country, dealing the company a second setback in southern Africa.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Minutes after the judgment was announced, the entrepreneur's lawyers informed AFP that their client will appeal the decision, characterizing it as a "setback."

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

I can’t believe he actually just downgraded Peeta’s dire circumstances to a setback.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.