BACKWOODS Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

backwoods 1 of 2

plural noun

ˈbak-ˈwu̇dz

Definition of backwoods

as in countryside

a rural region that forms the edge of the settled or developed part of a country lived far out in the backwoods and raised hogs for a living

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backwoods

2 of 2

adjective

as in rural

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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 backwoods

Adjective

The Curse of Buckout Road Witches burning at the stake, backwoods albino killers and a modern day stalker prove to be more than urban legends on this New York state byway. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2019 The weekend gets going on Friday with music from Gator Nate, the lovable backwoods yahoo and role model for many a UF pledge. — Ben Crandell, sun-sentinel.com, 22 Aug. 2019 Clustered among pine forests and sunny prairies along scenic backwoods roads 20 miles south of town, Perkins Tank and JD Dam Lake comprise a water-centric tour of the Kaibab National Forest’s southern sector. — Mare Czinar, azcentral, 5 July 2019 Think of the backwoods ranger and Minuteman, the Confederate cavalry officer, the flying ace of World War I, the commando, the Green Beret and SEAL. — John F. Ross, WSJ, 4 June 2019 See All Example Sentences for backwoods

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backwoods

Adjective

Along with trying to shave the Republican advantage in the district's dozen-plus rural counties, Bohannan is also trying to gain a foothold in its more urban and suburban hubs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Back then, 50 yuan was roughly equivalent to a month’s income for many rural residents.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of rural

Adjective

Nine years later, Henan officials admitted 25,000 former plasma sellers in the province had contracted HIV, according to a 2004 official provincial census reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Although Beijing describes such trade as ordinary commerce, conducting it through provincial and private firms helps ensure that any potential sanctions fall on intermediaries rather than the party-state itself.

— Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of provincial

Adjective

Lines that seem artlessly off-the-cuff on first pass accrue an unexpected weight and purpose the fourth time through; the countrified guitar lick that sounds so chipper at the start of a song is dripping with melancholy by the end.

— Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026
Timed to coincide with Cactus League spring training, the countrified Innings Fest offshoot is in its third year, bringing 20 artists with no overlapping sets to two main stages.

— Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of countrified

Adjective

But also multi-country emigration tales, as in Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Previous World Cups were concentrated within one nation, but this year supporters often crossed international borders, making the multi-country experience part of the tournament's appeal.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of country

Browse Nearby Words

backwater

backwoods

backwoodsman

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“Backwoods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backwoods. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of backwoods

plural noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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