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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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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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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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

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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
Discovery is bringing the Green Lanterns back with a live-action show. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 13 May 2025 The temporary truce pulls the world's two largest economies back from the brink after trade between them nearly ground to a halt, raising recession risks in the U.S. and deepening deflationary pressures in China. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Noun
The players on the screen: Former New Orleans running backs Alvin Kamara and Darren Sproles. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 May 2025 Players took a knee as a medical cart came out for the fan who was on his back. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
By losing some of its arrogant charm, Doom has also lost the means to back it up. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025 Pave Investments — an African private investment firm that backs platforms creating opportunities to develop and support African talent globally, such as Tems’ company, The Leading Vibe — reached out to her camp with the opportunity to join the San Diego FC ownership group. Heran Mamo, Billboard, 14 May 2025
Adjective
One of the selling points of waterbeds was that sleeping on one helped ease pressure points and could reduce back pain, especially when compared to a traditional mattress. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 Pizza Alley never reopened, however, and Sargent was later sued by the Colorado Department of Revenue for back taxes. Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
  • Some 200 reporters milled around near the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus that the Russians had specified as the talks venue.
    Tom Balmforth, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Brooklyn Coachworks typically restores around two dozen cars a year.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • With the third installment of the Knives Out franchise premiering this year, Rian Johnson is advocating for a theater-going experience.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 May 2025
  • Beyond animation’s inclusion in the program, animation stakeholders have additionally been advocating for enhancements like a decrease in the $1 million minimum budget for eligible projects in a bid to include children’s programming, which tends to operate with smaller budgets than adult animation.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • On Monday, a federal judge declined to block the Internal Revenue Service from sharing some kinds of immigrants' tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to aid deportation efforts.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 13 May 2025
  • This knowledge aids in making informed decisions regarding property positioning, tenant demographics, and competitive strategies.​ • Technology Integration: Utilizing modern property management and asset management software can enhance efficiency, accuracy and data analysis.
    Jesse Sasomsup, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Rising protectionism fueled by a populist backlash to globalization, a post-pandemic push for economic security reinforced by the shock of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and, above all, intensifying U.S.-Chinese strategic rivalry converged to shatter the illusion of a global tech ecosystem.
    Ian Bremmer, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025
  • When financial literacy and empowerment are neglected, wealth-building opportunities slip through the cracks, reinforcing the cycle of instability.
    Shay Levister, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Porto found traces of DNA from three people, including O'Keefe, on the outside of Read’s right rear taillight and on multiple pieces of O’Keefe’s clothing.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • There are some slight design differences between them (the 16S has a rear thermal block that's missing on the V 16S), and the 16S tops out at an RTX 5070 Ti while the V 16S only goes up to an RTX 5070.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
Adverb
  • After letting go of the ball, Vásquez tripped and tried to steady himself over the course of many steps backward before giving in and somersaulting backward in the grass in foul territory.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
  • The bear was inches away when Nelson fell backward, uphill.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The group does not endorse any candidates or political parties.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Stop the stop-and-frisk — a tactic Bratton endorsed — replace it with stop-and-chat, and get to know everyone on your beat.
    Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Caroline Szczepaniak tallied a goal and assist for for Lemont (14-5, 9-0), while Gabriela Kuruc scored a goal and Ava Bergeson added an assist.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • Mac Allister anticipates and intercepts a Lewis Hall pass before clipping a perfectly weighted ball ahead of Salah, who assists the Jones goal that makes it 1-1.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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