BACKS (UP) Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

backs (up)

verb

present tense third-person singular of back (up)

as in testifies (to)

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as in coagulates

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for backs (up)

Verb

Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2026
Wildlife officials say recent drought conditions have reduced natural food sources in parts of Colorado, pushing bears out of the mountains and into communities in search of food.

— Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of bears out

Verb

This buildup, called plaque, narrows and hardens the arteries, causing health problems.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Oil prices are ticking up, as Iran hardens its stance over control of the Strait of Hormuz and other demands to end the war, dashing hopes for a quick deal to reopen the waterway.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardens

Verb

Once a site manager sets the initial plan, the software takes over the digging work.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Against this microcosm of the class war Lee sets the emergence of artificial intelligence, which threatens to further destabilize labor across a range of industries — including his own.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of sets

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.

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“Backs (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backs%20%28up%29. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of backs (up)

verb

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