1
2
as in around
toward the opposite direction
turned back for one last comment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in backwards
toward the rear
concert security asked the crowd to move back
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in jugular
a vulnerable point
a candidate needing a loyal aide who can be relied upon to always watch his back
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to advocate
to promote the interests or cause of
she enthusiastically backed the plan to renovate and upgrade the school's facilities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to aid
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
a number of influential people have already agreed to back the candidate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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
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
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
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
Noun
-
Heavy black smoke in the kitchen at the rear of the unoccupied residence was discovered by firefighters upon arrival.—
Courier-News,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
-
The Jesko Absolut has fins in the rear instead of a wing like the normal Jesko to decrease downforce and increase stability.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Zachary Naegele, 24, was competing at the Conley Invitational in Palmetto, Florida, last week when the bull’s horn punctured his jugular, causing blood to stream out in a heart-pounding, caught-on-camera moment.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Gone are the days of Ami Cusack cutting down men without hesitation or Natalie Bolton flossing her teeth with Jason Siska’s jugular.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Trades like those are not surprising to lawmakers advocating for the ban.—
Deirdre Walsh,
NPR,
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
-
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
-
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
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
Noun
-
Plus, Rachael has a soft spot for missing children.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
8 May 2025
-
Independent study charter schools are a soft spot in California’s vaccine laws, data show — Was this newsletter forwarded to you?—
Phil Willon,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs
Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes
Cite this Entry
“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share