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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Relevance

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The Mac last received a significant facelift back in 2020 with macOS 11 Big Sur, though this was overshadowed at the time by the much more significant shift from Intel's chips to Apple Silicon. ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025 The collaboration is a culmination of a 10-year relationship between Matheson and the culinary brand, which was founded back in 2010. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
Noun
Bleier gifted the president a Steelers football jersey with the No. 47 and the name Trump on the back. Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 4 June 2025 The three entered the store at 4901 167th St. at 1 p.m., forced the clerk to the back and took money and merchandise, police said. Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Verb
The world’s richest man backed Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the 2024 election, shelling out nearly $300 million in a bid to land them in the White House. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025 The congestion toll began in January — a requirement of New York State’s 2019 Traffic Mobility Act, meant to both reduce congestion and back $15 billion in bonds toward specific MTA projects. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Adjective
The Orioles loaded the bases in the eighth before the A’s called on closing pitcher Mason Miller, who struck out back to back batters. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025 Then, there’s the landlord who wants the back rent now now now. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
  • Moccasin Creek where he was found has seen high water due to heavy rainfall in the last two weeks, which may have limited Hardin's ability to move around.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 8 June 2025
  • Multiple agents then turned Rosario Espinal around, pinning him to the ground before handcuffing him.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Consider buying yours from Flags for Good, which uses minimal packaging during the shipping process and donates a portion of sales to organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, such as GLAAD and The Trevor Project.
    Elena Valeriote, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Trump has long advocated tariffs as an economic elixir.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Epstein's former girlfriend and associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was sentenced in 2022 for aiding Epstein in the trafficking of minors and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • By the 2030s, the advent of artificial general intelligence (AGI) is anticipated to usher in monumental changes, ranging from aiding in household chores such as cooking and cleaning to transforming our approach to everyday life on a grand scale.
    Sandeep Shivam, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
  • The company’s shares have risen more than 7% this week as Meta’s deal to buy nuclear power from Constellation Energy has reinforced the view that demand is increasing as the tech sector hunts for electricity for its data centers.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Airstream In place of the dinette/convertible secondary bed Airstream trailers would typically house in this rear space, Airstream installs the main bedroom area to give owners the opportunity to enjoy scenic views and fresh air from the comfort of bed.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 June 2025
  • The cart seats four, thanks to the inclusion of a rear bench, and the hard-shell roof extends over the back to keep all passengers dry and shaded.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025
Adverb
  • Design for outcomes such as clarity, creativity, and connection and then build backward.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Howard then tried to get Stephenson into a headlock as the former NBA guard pushed him backward.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Getty Images Curtain bangs have been the bang style of this era, endorsed by stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Dakota Johnson.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 16 June 2025
  • Like Tom Brady, Shohei Ohtani, Steph Curry, Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Osaka and David Ortiz, O’Neal endorsed FTX, which imploded in 2022 and whose founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was convicted on fraud, money laundering and conspiracy charges before being sentenced to 25 years in prison last year.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The attentive staff readily assists guests in finding nearby beaches, surf spots, hiking trails, and golf courses.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Lundell has assisted on three of Marchand’s goals in the series, including his two breakaway goals in Game 2 and his goal in the opening minute of Game 3.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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