as in reversals
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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Recent Examples of setbacks
After back-to-back campaigns filled with setbacks, Scott re-signed with the Panthers on a 1-year deal this offseason.
—
Mike Kaye
january 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Backups Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris suffered setbacks in subsequent weeks, pushing the Chiefs down to their last options at tackle on the depth chart.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
While the three recent transactions point to pockets of strength in the South Bay apartment sector, some residential hubs are struggling beneath the weight of financial setbacks.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 5 Jan. 2026
After months of setbacks and paperwork, the Schiro family now finally has a rendering for a new home on the Malibu property.
—Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Kansas Jayhawks freshman men’s basketball player Darryn Peterson, who has practiced at full speed since Saturday, will likely play against UCF in Orlando this weekend, barring any setbacks.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 Jan. 2026
The location weathered the pandemic, then multiple other setbacks, including what Yoon called a steep downturn in foot traffic in the neighborhood in 2025.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
The novel borrows from Englund’s experience, the setbacks and the thrills, and also draws from conversations with Dana Fares, another local professional actress who spent time in Hollywood.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setbacks
Noun
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To the contrary, though the film is frequently funny, Brewer takes their ambitions and reversals seriously.—
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This is the state shifting the financial burden of its own delays and reversals onto the very organizations tasked with delivering public services.—
Noun
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Most of those came on reverses or other wide runs.—
Cite this Entry
“Setbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setbacks. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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