back 1 of 5

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

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2
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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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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

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2
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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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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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backer

5 of 5

noun (2)

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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

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word back different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of back are advocate, champion, support, and uphold. While all these words mean "to favor actively one that meets opposition," back suggests supporting by lending assistance to one failing or falling.

refusing to back the call for sanctions

When can advocate be used instead of back?

While the synonyms advocate and back are close in meaning, advocate stresses urging or pleading.

advocated prison reform

Where would champion be a reasonable alternative to back?

The words champion and back are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, champion suggests publicly defending one unjustly attacked or too weak to advocate his or her own cause.

championed the rights of children

When might support be a better fit than back?

In some situations, the words support and back are roughly equivalent. However, support is least explicit about the nature of the assistance given.

supports waterfront development

When is it sensible to use uphold instead of back?

The words uphold and back can be used in similar contexts, but uphold implies extended support given to something attacked.

upheld the legitimacy of the military action

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
With the lander back in Florida and its rocket booster in the garage, Blue Origin is close to getting it out on the pad. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2026 As car manufacturers have pulled back on their electrification plans in recent years, the prospect of F1 returning to a more powerful V8 engine has become realistic once again. Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Noun
She just was stuck in the back and wasn’t up top, thankfully for us. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026 Daystar Television Network president and founder Joni Lamb has died, the ministry announced Thursday, saying a recent back injury worsened ongoing health challenges. Doug Myers, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Verb
Rafael Devers homered to back six strong innings from Robbie Ray, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 on Friday night. CBS News, 9 May 2026 Nvidia, which generated $97 billion in free cash flow last fiscal year, is backing some of the very companies that buy its chips and, in some cases, is leasing compute right back to them. Kristina Partsinevelos,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 9 May 2026
Adjective
That trio represents the back half of the Dodgers’ six-man rotation. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 May 2026 Glynn and his wife Brenda sit with Shadden on their back patio. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
Noun
The latest war between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, two days after the United States and Israel launched a war on Hezbollah's main backer, Iran. Arkansas Online, 10 May 2026 The famous Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art was wearing a soccer scarf, part of a $65 million promotional campaign funded by corporate and philanthropic backers. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
  • The park’s centerpiece fountain was named after the Exchange Club of Naperville, a civic service organization that was a major donor for the park when it was constructed about two decades ago.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Exactly 125 years ago Friday night, the Boston Americans — who later became known as the Red Sox — held their first ever home game at the Huntington Avenue Grounds against the Philadelphia Athletics, winning 12-4.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
Adverb
  • The highway death rate back then was around five deaths or less per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, which is higher than today, but hardly a death sentence.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • Now, they’re being forced to walk around on their tippy toes.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2026
Adverb
  • To this day, Freeman cannot bring himself to wear his cap backward.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 10 May 2026
  • Massachusetts residents are tired of watching politicians bend over backwards for every political agenda imaginable while our own citizens, especially our veterans, are treated like an afterthought.
    Anne Brensley, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • These results were championed as the country’s official victory over the virus and a decisive win for those advocating for digital vaccination credential systems.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • In addition to his work on screen, Attenborough has penned several books, held many positions advocating for wildlife protection, and received numerous awards, including, most recently, the UN Environment Programme Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • British paratroopers reached a remote volcanic island with medics and supplies to aid a former cruise ship passenger who may have contracted hantavirus.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 11 May 2026
  • That community aided in the acquisition of land and the 2012 construction of a barrier-free, accessible home for the Porters in west Omaha.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Interior finishes include reclaimed timber flooring and panels, while mature trees relocated from municipal sites reinforce the 'tree' concept and create an immediate green setting.
    Adam Williams May 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2026
  • Local authorities formally closed all hiking routes to Mount Dukono in April and reinforced the ban following Friday’s incident.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Carbon-ceramic brakes are also standard here and reduce unsprung mass by nearly 60 pounds, while a new front splitter and rear spoiler aid high-speed stability.
    Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • Parking will be available in the rear lot by Door 4.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Adverb
  • But with Ben White down injured after 26 minutes and forced off, Arsenal’s season depended on Arteta and his gut feelings again.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • China Bar, one level down, also prepares craft cocktails with the same views and occasional live music.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026

Cite this Entry

“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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