back 1 of 4

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

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2
3

back

2 of 4

noun

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 4

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 4

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

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
Village officials, too, have to decide on what form the property along Washington Street, west of Milwaukee back to the tollway, will take. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 However, the intermediate-term measure move projection of approximately $504 is not far from current levels, so with support back near $456, the risk/reward would be more compelling after a pullback. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Noun
He was discovered lying face down on his bed covered in a blanket with trauma and what appeared to be a stab wound to his back, police source said. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025 That, and the fact that she’s had a lifelong battle with a bad back. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 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
  • What Happened To Apple's Stock Price? Apple shares have dropped around 20 percent since a peak of $259.02 per share on December 26, 2024, with a price of $201.00 near the close of trading on Friday afternoon.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Like most trends, neckties will likely come back around in another fun and unique way.
    Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Photo : Open Homes Photography An aerial view of its rear.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
  • The rear of the Eversolo Play has a Trigger In port for synchronizing system control with other HiFi components.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 20 June 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
  • Ward's responsibilities will focus on enhancing market access, advocating for trade policies that benefit U.S. agriculture and developing international partnerships to promote the region's diverse agricultural products.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • While some lawmakers advocated for the move, others — including some of the president’s most vocal supporters on the right-flank — pushed against the U.S. directly getting involved in the conflict.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The tight supply and inventory conditions in the HBM sector are also aiding pricing.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Today, Aflac is a household name, aided by the now-iconic duck mascot and consistent returns.
    Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The family also played a key role in commemorating the 80th anniversaries of D-Day and V-E Day, further reinforcing its role on both the national and international stage.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
Adverb
  • Loosely based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the film tells the tale of Benjamin Button, who is born with the appearance and strength of an elderly man and ultimately ages backward into infancy.
    Derek Scancarelli, EW.com, 27 June 2025
  • The Brief June 26, 2025 Updates on Trump and Netanyahu, NATO, and more Play icon 06:02 Skip backward 15 seconds Length: Long Speed: 1.0x Skip forward 15 seconds TIME AI LogoPowered byScale logo Donald Trump loves to give nicknames.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • In reality, the 64-year-old actress has a soft spot for senior dogs.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 22 June 2025
  • McKinney Between 35 to 50 minutes from Dallas McKinney, Texas, has a little something for everybody, starting with those with a soft spot for charming downtowns.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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