bite back

verb

bit back; bitten back also bit back; biting back; bites back

informal

1

: to attack or criticize someone after being attacked or criticized by them

Weary of her rival's accusations, the candidate bit back with an aggressive ad campaign.

—often + at

She bit back at her rival with an aggressive ad campaign.

2

: to stop oneself from saying (something)

I attempted to smile sweetly while biting back angry comments.

Examples of bite back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When Dumoulin entered the offensive zone with the puck, Nate Dogg got his bite back. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026

Advertisement The next time a public figure makes a mockery of ballet, rest assured that ballet will bite back. —Chloe Angyal, Time, 9 Mar. 2026

Worried about further upsetting his son, Conejo said, he was forced to bite back his own tears. —Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026

Aries March 21 – April 19 When words poke old wounds, don’t bite back without good reason. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2026

March 21 – April 19 When words poke old wounds, don’t bite back without good reason. —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for bite back

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback