Phrase guide

set back

verb · 8 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To delay or obstruct.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • I expect it will set us back by a day or so, but I think a side trip will be worthwhile.
  • Having the mindset that you "can't" reach your goals is only going to set you back.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To remove from or allow distance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Set it back from the road by twenty or thirty feet.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To install or position behind a boundary or surface, or in a recess.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The statue was set back in a niche.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To cost money.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • How much do you suppose that fancy dress set her back?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To reverse, go backwards.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

slow down the progress of; hinder

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • His late start set him back

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: impede, hinder

7

verb

Meaning 7

hold back to a later time

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • let's postpone the exam

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: postpone, prorogue, hold over, put over, table, shelve, defer, remit, put off

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: delay

Narrower terms: call, hold, suspend, probate, reprieve, respite

8

verb

Meaning 8

cost a certain amount

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • My daughter's wedding set me back $20,000

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: knock back, put back

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: cost, be

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: retarder — delay
  • Irish: cuir chun deiridh — delay
  • Russian: задерживать (zaderživatʹ) — delay
  • Spanish: retrotraer — delay
  • Swedish: fördröja — delay
  • Swedish: försena — delay
  • Russian: отставлять (otstavljatʹ) — remove from
  • Chinese Mandarin: 花费 — cost
  • French: coûter — cost
  • Hungarian: kerül — cost
  • Russian: стоить (stoitʹ) — cost
  • Russian: выходить (vyxoditʹ) — cost
  • Swedish: kosta — cost