BACKS (UP OR AWAY) Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

backs (up or away)

verb

present tense third-person singular of back (up or away)

as in withdraws

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for backs (up or away)

Verb

If a friend withdraws, reach out softly and offer clear help without pressure.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
If Miller withdraws by Wednesday, Republicans can hold a special election to replace him on the ballot.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of withdraws

Verb

Start with energy markets and the fear of disruption to oil and gas exports if the United States retreats.

— Michael Fuchs, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026
Their late summer adventures will likely take them to their country home, Anmer Hall, as well as to Balmoral, where the royal family retreats en masse as summer begins to turn into fall.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 29 July 2026

Definition of retreats

Verb

Volume loss in the genital area can also occur in the mons pubis and labia majora as subcutaneous fat recedes with treatment.

— Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
But, even with the end so near, my thoughts turn ahead to preparations for another trip when the water recedes a bit.

— Ralph Tuttle, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026

Definition of recedes

Verb

Larry Berg, the co-managing owner of LAFC, was chosen Monday to become the third commissioner in MLS history when Don Garber retires in December.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
The result is often a slow, manual process—and when a technician retires, their expertise walks out the door with them.

— Yu Fang, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of retires

Verb

When Krem takes off in Kara’s spacecraft, a rusted hulk that’s like an interplanetary RV, and shoots her beloved dog Krypto with a lethal tranquilizer that will result in agonizing death in three days, Kara joins Ruthye on her revenge quest.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
There is a similar silence after Maggie’s mother takes off.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

Definition of takes off

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backs (up)

backs (up or away)

back talk

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

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Synonyms of backs (up or away)

verb

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