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

On Day 10, a seriously chalky final four, losing learning lessons and and injuries biting back. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

But with Earle coming into the ring with fighting words, who says a mama bear can’t bite back? — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Guests also love the daily tradition that starts by the fireplace in the main lobby, processes to a ceremonial firing of a replica 19th-century cannon on the edge of Mobile Bay, and finishes with light bites back at the hotel. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 16 June 2026

The fourth quarter saw the Patriots take two leads, but the Cougars kept biting back. — Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026

Rhymes for bite back

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