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
On Wednesday, the Biden administration hit back at PhRMA's attacks on drug pricing reforms.
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Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 June 2024
Drag artist, activist, and frequent performer of Dolly Parton numbers Brigitte Bandit hit back at controversial politician Marjorie Taylor Greene, after the conservative Republican congresswoman called the entertainer — who was born female — a man.
—EW.com, 26 June 2024
But Whitmer spokesperson Bobby Leddy hit back at the critics, suggesting the administration might be prepared to dig in its heels in defense of the plan.
—Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 26 June 2024
Trump hitting back on the issue at his Philly rally last night.
—ABC News, 23 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for hit back 
Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 June 2024
Drag artist, activist, and frequent performer of Dolly Parton numbers Brigitte Bandit hit back at controversial politician Marjorie Taylor Greene, after the conservative Republican congresswoman called the entertainer — who was born female — a man.
—EW.com, 26 June 2024
But Whitmer spokesperson Bobby Leddy hit back at the critics, suggesting the administration might be prepared to dig in its heels in defense of the plan.
—Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 26 June 2024
Trump hitting back on the issue at his Philly rally last night.
—ABC News, 23 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for hit back
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hit back.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near hit back
Cite this Entry
“Hit back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hit%20back. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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