as in vicinity
an adjoining region or space
shocked to learn that the wind farm would be right in our own backyard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in amateur
being such only for recreation
an orchid that is a favorite with backyard horticulturists
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 backyard
City News Service, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
In protest of growing ICE activity in the metro and in their backyard, a handful of Northland neighbors took their frustrations to the streets Sunday.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
NPR, 6 Nov. 2025
In Sacramento County, for example, backyard burials are allowed but generally not recommended.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backyard
Noun
The robbers entered the home through the backyard and held the two residents at gunpoint while stealing thousands of dollars in cash and valuable jewelry before fleeing, police said.
—City News Service, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
In protest of growing ICE activity in the metro and in their backyard, a handful of Northland neighbors took their frustrations to the streets Sunday.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The virus can spread easily when infected wild birds mix with commercial or backyard flocks.
—NPR, 6 Nov. 2025
In Sacramento County, for example, backyard burials are allowed but generally not recommended.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backyard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backyard
Noun
-
The 10-day mission, called Artemis II, will lift off as soon as February 6, taking NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch as well as the Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen to the vicinity of the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
17 Jan. 2026
-
It is said that the residential density, daytime population and the current presence of national retailers in the mall’s vicinity add compelling appeal.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Pauley, 22, was a 12th-round pick in the 2025 amateur draft out of Harvard.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
When annual results are compiled each January, winners tend to be amateur grim reapers who predicted a mix of shocking young deaths and the passings of anyone over 90.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backyard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backyard. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
