📖 Definitions of "Set back"
verb
- 1
To delay or obstruct.
"I expect it will set us back by a day or so, but I think a side trip will be worthwhile."
- 2
To remove from or allow distance.
"Set it back from the road by twenty or thirty feet."
- 3
To install or position behind a boundary or surface, or in a recess.
"The statue was set back in a niche."
- 4
To cost money, as.
"How much do you suppose that fancy dress set her back?"
💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Set back"
Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| put offverb | (transitive) To postpone, especially through procrastination. |
| postponeverb | To delay or put off an event, appointment, etc. |
| deferverb | (transitive) To delay or postpone. |
| knock backverb | (transitive) To push or strike someone or something backward with force. |
| offsetverb | Anything that acts as counterbalance; a compensating equivalent. |
| put backverb | (transitive) To return something to its original place. |
| remitverb | (transitive) To transmit or send (e.g. money in payment); to supply. |
| put oververb | To state or explain (a concept) in a clear, understandable manner. |
| hold oververb | (intransitive) To remain in office, possession, residency etc., beyond a certain date. |
| shelveverb | (transitive) To postpone or put aside, or entirely cease dealing with (a matter for discussion, a project, etc.). |
| setoffnoun | Alternative spelling of set-off. [That which is set off against another thing; an offset.] |
| tablenoun | (countable) Furniture with a top surface to accommodate a variety of uses. |
| retardverb | (transitive) To keep delaying; to continue to hinder; to prevent from progressing. |
| delaynoun | A period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying; procrastination; lingering inactivity. |
| hold backverb | (idiomatic, intransitive) To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power. |
| hinderverb | (transitive) To make difficult to accomplish; to act as an obstacle; to frustrate. |
| throw backverb | (transitive) To drink quickly, especially alcoholic beverages. |
| recessnoun | (countable) A depressed, hollow, or indented space; also, a hole or opening. |
| push offverb | (intransitive, colloquial, often imperative) To go away; to get lost. |
| set abackverb | (transitive) To startle or shock; to render (someone) confused or disconcerted. |
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