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
The ease, maturity, and comedic timing of her child star years are, at last, back in full force. Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025 While Taipei’s relations with the United States remain strong at an institutional level, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has faced multiple speed bumps, internally and externally, that have raised alarms among Taiwan experts back in Washington. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
The Pioneers’ dynamics are not the stereotypical husband pilots, wife sits in the back. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2025 Nothing beats knowing that when life hits the fan, certain people have my back with actions, not just nice words. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
Up until then, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist fronted the group Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, which eventually went on to back Neil Young for nearly five years. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025 The dollar reigned as the world’s reserve currency, backed by the depth of U.S. financial markets, military reach, and widespread institutional trust. Time, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
That’s because these agreements often include rules and conditions governing tenants’ behavior well beyond paying off back rent. Sawyer Loftus, ProPublica, 5 Aug. 2025 El Borrego Restaurant has colorful walls, small tables and Mexican music playing in the front area and a back patio for large groups. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
  • But this time around, a few additional family members increase the challenges to be resolved and the lessons to be learned.
    Katie Grant, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The latter is usually my favorite, but the Korean BBQ was the star of the show this time around.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Her son was in a bedroom toward the rear of the home, and his two friends, ages 14 and 15, were in the front.
    Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The motorcyclist and the pickup truck driver then collided with the rear of the Chevy Camaro, police said.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 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
  • One of Trump’s most ardent conservative supporters, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, lashed out last month over the initial reports about a possible Diddy pardon, vehemently advocating against one.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Elsewhere, Blackburn advocated to repeal the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in 2022, and in 2024 voted against advancing the Right to IVF Act, which would have expanded and protected access to in vitro fertilization in the country.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Employers are increasingly dealing with an influx of fake candidates, aided by the rise of AI.
    Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Ideas for aiding the industry As challenges continue, Michigan’s cannabis business owners have a few ideas for how to help the industry.
    The Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Is their role clear? • Are expectations defined and reinforced?
    Jeff Weiss, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • What else: Something non-yeti suddenly goes wrong, and passengers roll backward into the darkness.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025
  • While both acts fill multiple spots on multiple tallies, even the biggest titles are largely slipping backward.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Travis Kennedy has always had a soft spot for ‘80s glam rock and metal bands.
    Kelli Skye Fadroski, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Avoid peppers that are shriveled, bruised, or have soft spots.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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