back 1 of 5

1
as in ago
earlier than the present time that's longer back than I can remember

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

back

2 of 5

noun (1)

1
as in rear
a behind part or surface the back of the page was blank

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in jugular
a vulnerable point a candidate needing a loyal aide who can be relied upon to always watch his back

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back

3 of 5

verb

1
2
3
as in to reinforce
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea) the author needs to back her thesis with more facts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

back

4 of 5

adjective

as in hind
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part she carried all the presents in the back door, as the children were playing in the front yard

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

backer

5 of 5

noun (2)

1
2
as in sponsor
a person who takes the responsibility for some other person or thing all financial backers will be expected to offer some input into the company's decisions

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of back
Adverb
In June 2018, just prior to giving birth, Kenia and Noah make their way back to the U.S. and apply for asylum. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2025 That includes Jones back at left tackle and Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli at center. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
The Pioneers’ dynamics are not the stereotypical husband pilots, wife sits in the back. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2025 Nothing beats knowing that when life hits the fan, certain people have my back with actions, not just nice words. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, the father of David Ellison, backed the deal as did RedBird Capital, led by Gerry Cardinale. Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025 The company has backed five feature-length films and 10 short-form and episodic documentaries. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Inspectors also saw a 1- to 2-inch gap beneath the back doors. Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Front zip and back slip pockets plus a mesh zip interior provide ample room for necessities. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
  • The blast occurred on a 751-foot commercial vessel at around 6:30 p.m. local time, the Baltimore City Fire Department said on Facebook.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Specifically on the cost of usage, U.K. industrial electricity prices are deemed to be 46% higher than the International Energy Agency’s median price, around 50% higher than in France and Germany, and four times higher than the U.S. and Canada.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Among those who rejected the offer are the families of Tate Myre, an honors student, mentor to struggling kids and star athlete who died in the shooting; and of 14-year-old Hana St. Juliana, a shy basketball and volleyball player, whose family has long advocated for the school’s accountability.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Volunteers advocate for children who have been removed from their home from either abuse, abandonment or neglect.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Both players aided the Royals in a 6-2 victory at Kauffman Stadium.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The sands have aided the survival of the wreck, which is roughly 50 to 65 feet underwater.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The key questions to address with AI include are citizens more confident engaging with tribal services, does AI strengthen traditions, language, or practices, and does technology reinforce tribal governance authority?
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The early 4Runners had a removable fiberglass hardtop cover over the rear cargo area, which was the defining characteristic of the first generation of SUV’s.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Our test car was fitted with the gigantic (420 mm front, 410 mm rear) carbon ceramic brakes, and at the rear, the center lock wheels are 11.5 inches in width.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • What else: Something non-yeti suddenly goes wrong, and passengers roll backward into the darkness.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025
  • While both acts fill multiple spots on multiple tallies, even the biggest titles are largely slipping backward.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics still endorses COVID-19 shots for children older than 6 months.
    DEVI SHASTRI, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • In Indonesia, the political party Golkar used AI to digitally recreate Suharto, a dictator who died in 2008, to endorse the party’s candidates.
    Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Opportunities range from supporting medical clinics and public health initiatives to assisting in schools and vocational training centers.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Though Ajax failed to advance to the knockout phase, Kudus scored four goals and assisted twice in their six matches from that false nine position.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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