Synonyms for setback

Most common

reverse · blow · black eye · reversal · rebuff

Synonyms by meaning

Noun

Antonyms

advance, breakthrough, progress

All antonyms of setback →

Definitions

1. n. 1

   An obstacle, delay, disadvantage, or blow (an adverse event which slows down, or prevents progress towards a desired outcome).

   After some initial setbacks, the expedition went safely on its way.

2. n. 2

   Any adverse event, defeat, or impediment of progress.

Forms

Plural

setbacks → reverses, blows, reversals, rebuffs…

Example sentences

• reversal The recent data has caused a reversal of expectations.
• rebuff Tom didn't expect Mary to rebuff his advance.
• disappointment The new teacher was a disappointment to the class.

Popularity over time

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

4 letters

blow¹

5 letters

check¹

6 letters

rebuff²

7 letters

reverse², relapse², repulse², backset²

8 letters

reversal³, stepback

14 letters

disappointment⁴

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (rebuff² = 2 syllables).

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contretemps

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contrattempo

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