hit back
phrasal verb
hit back; hitting back; hits back
informal
: to attack or criticize someone after being attacked or criticized by them
Weary of her rival's accusations, the candidate hit back with an aggressive ad campaign.
The team hit back with a touchdown of their own.
—often + atThe Senator hit back at his critics.
Examples of hit back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
George hit back-to-back 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to help the 76ers extend their 11-point lead to start the period to 18 points.
—
CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
The National Association for Gun Rights hit back at Patel’s comments.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Altman hit back with palpable frustration.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 21 Jan. 2026
Ball hit back-to-back three-pointers to start the third quarter.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hit back
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CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
The National Association for Gun Rights hit back at Patel’s comments.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Altman hit back with palpable frustration.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 21 Jan. 2026
Ball hit back-to-back three-pointers to start the third quarter.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hit back
Cite this Entry
“Hit back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hit%20back. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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