giving ground

phrase

present participle of give ground
as in retreating
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) There is wildlife in the area, so give ground if you see any when hiking.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for giving ground
  1. giving way
  2. losing ground
Phrase
  • The war has unfolded in fits and starts, with bursts of overwhelming American firepower repeatedly giving way to promises that diplomacy might bring it to an end.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Kevin Terrell / Getty Images Earlier this week, Harbaugh announced that starting quarterback Justin Herbert and the first-team unit will play for just one opening series before giving way to backups.
    — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of giving way
Phrase
  • Nike is losing ground to newer competitors, its products haven’t created the same excitement and consumers aren’t exactly eager to pay more for sneakers right now.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Yet in the global race to develop and commercialize advanced therapies, Europe has been steadily losing ground.
    — Kimberley Jane Barnes, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of losing ground
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.

Browse Nearby Words

giving birth to
giving ground
giving in
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Cite this Entry

“Giving ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/giving%20ground. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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