back 1 of 5

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

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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
The new No 9? Referring back to the jigsaw puzzle, a Darwin Nunez exit and no striker incoming makes Wirtz playing as a false nine more probable. Andy Jones, New York Times, 18 June 2025 Two additional ill individuals purchased chicken fettuccine alfredo products that could be traced back to FreshRealm establishments, according to FSIS. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 18 June 2025
Noun
Running back With Mallory already committed to UM but flirting with Alabama, the Canes could end up adding two other backs. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025 Several clients laid on their backs on what looked like massage tables as their flexologists rolled or twisted or pressed on their body parts — a limb over the shoulder here, a spinal twist there. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
Verb
Share it consistently through talks, X posts or articles, backed by real results. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025 Rutte has publicly backed the peace talks that grew out of Trump’s view of himself as a dealmaker, and have at times raised alarm among others in NATO. Adam Rasmi, Time, 20 June 2025
Adjective
In 1989, seven years after the band split, Sweden Music, the publisher of ABBA’s songs, was sold to PolyGram, with the expectation that the back catalogue would sell dependably but modestly. Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 18 June 2025 Perfect for a vanity, living room, or anywhere that could use additional seating, this upholstered throne has earned over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon for its softness, back support and ease of assembly. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
  • This time around, there is a risk of persistent supply-side inflation driven by policy.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • The first firefighters entered the flat at around 1:07 a.m.
    Time, Time, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Consider buying yours from Flags for Good, which uses minimal packaging during the shipping process and donates a portion of sales to organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, such as GLAAD and The Trevor Project.
    Elena Valeriote, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • The president said on X the travel ban was being introduced after a terror attack against a pro-Israel group advocating for Hamas to release Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado, last weekend, allegedly by an Egyptian man who had overstayed his visa.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The win was aided by Acuña’s spectacular ninth-inning catch of a Pete Alonso fly ball to start a double play, and ended with Austin Riley’s walk-off sacrifice fly to the center-field wall in the 10th inning.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Both Elba and Nas stand as executive producers, with seasoned British-Nigerian director Meji Alabi aiding with execution.
    Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The Verve Therapeutics acquisition reinforces Eli Lilly’s position as an attractive investment opportunity, supported by strong demand for its obesity treatments and successful diversification into high-potential therapeutic areas.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • That comes after Trump has broadly praised Israel's aggressive campaign against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, reinforcing a hawkish stance that bolsters Israel's right-wing leadership in its operations—not only against Iran but also in Gaza and the West Bank.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Walker pitched the idea, rallied support for it and volunteered over 100 hours of labor to create the library, a self-service kiosk that stands outside across from Casa de Mañana’s rear entrance on Coast Boulevard South.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
  • Some mechanisms deliver power to either your bicycle’s rear or front hub.
    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Wired News, 20 June 2025
Adverb
  • Design for outcomes such as clarity, creativity, and connection and then build backward.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Howard then tried to get Stephenson into a headlock as the former NBA guard pushed him backward.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Getty Images Curtain bangs have been the bang style of this era, endorsed by stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Dakota Johnson.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 16 June 2025
  • Like Tom Brady, Shohei Ohtani, Steph Curry, Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Osaka and David Ortiz, O’Neal endorsed FTX, which imploded in 2022 and whose founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was convicted on fraud, money laundering and conspiracy charges before being sentenced to 25 years in prison last year.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Tarrant deputies were dispatched to assist Parker County emergency services with a rescue attempt in the 12000 block of Aledo Road at about 5:15 p.m. Friday, according to a statement.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025
  • That season, Saber rewrote the SFC record books, setting single-season marks in goals (160), assists (102), and steals (158).
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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