back 1 of 5

1
as in ago
earlier than the present time that's longer back than I can remember

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

back

2 of 5

noun (1)

1
as in rear
a behind part or surface the back of the page was blank

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in jugular
a vulnerable point a candidate needing a loyal aide who can be relied upon to always watch his back

Synonyms & Similar Words

back

3 of 5

verb

1
2
3
as in to reinforce
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea) the author needs to back her thesis with more facts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

back

4 of 5

adjective

as in hind
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part she carried all the presents in the back door, as the children were playing in the front yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

backer

5 of 5

noun (2)

1
2
as in sponsor
a person who takes the responsibility for some other person or thing all financial backers will be expected to offer some input into the company's decisions

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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 back
Adverb
Reeves said welfare cuts already set out last week are estimated to save £4.8 billion in the welfare budget, and would boost measures to get people back into work. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025 The people who approached reportedly began firing and at least one person in Robinson’s group shot back. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
Though her choreography is more measured than that of her daughters or the ensemble, her striking presence is felt all the way to the back row of the Harris Theater. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025 Police said that Bradford could be heard yelling for witnesses to call the police before Gadson shot him in the back. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
Radio and Television Supreme Council member Ilhan Tasci said that other channels backing the opposition were fined and handed program suspensions over their protest coverage. Arkansas Online, 28 Mar. 2025 Williams hit a 3-pointer to cap a massive comeback in regulation and then backed his way into a game-winner at the rim with seven seconds left in overtime, sending the Red Raiders to an 85-83 win over the Razorbacks and into an Elite Eight matchup with No. 1 seed Florida. Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
While more left-leaning Democrats have ripped moderate Democrats in Congress for voting in support of Trump's nominations and some of his agenda, others say the party needs to shift to the center to win back independents. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Smith-Wade should see competition this summer, whether from a veteran or a draft pick, and the back half of the depth group will be pushed as well. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
  • Put up photos of nature, move your desk around, or paint a wall with chalkboard paint for ideating.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Mulligan’s new cut is a fresh take on the micro-bob trend that’s been floating around for the last few years—bob queen Gigi Hadid is also a fan of the mini-cut, and flips, razors, and colors her bob to her heart’s content.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Supporters commended the 46-year-old for his approach to child-raising and advocated for more fathers to follow suit while also agreeing with the actor that there was a war against masculinity.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Portfolio management textbooks have long advocated viewing asset allocation in terms of asset classes.
    Chris Carosa, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Ivey’s coaching staff also casts a web of support to protect her from outside noise and aid her vision for the team’s present and future.
    Sharí Nycole, Essence, 26 Mar. 2025
  • They have been aided by the present attorney general and the past one.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In 2017, the La Jolla Development Permit Review Committee approved a project to reinforce the lower third of the bluff with erodible concrete.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
  • What To Know After Trump threatened to cut off U.S. support for Ukraine and criticized Europe for its military reliance on Washington, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen devised a plan to reinforce the EU's defense capabilities.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 3 seems to struggle most, with perhaps too many variables for the computer to confidently handle at pace—front and rear motors, rear torque biasing, more weight, and a higher center of gravity.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Her novels tell many stories of women struggling to rear children in the face of absent fathers and oppressive social obligations.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Wicked actor Marissa Bode fell backward in her wheelchair while filming 'Dancing Through Life' Those who know Wicked or even The Wizard of Oz likely know Nessarose's ultimate fate, which will come in Wicked: For Good (in theaters Nov. 21).
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Titian’s Adam leans backward on his right arm; his left hand, which rests limply on Eve’s upper breast, appears hardly capable of stopping her.
    Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • President Joe Biden publicly endorsed and supported health care price transparency.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • On Thursday, former Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn endorsed Laesch.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Any response or solution should be tailored for that client, conveying your genuine desire to assist.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The Trump administration has separately directed the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces, which investigate domestic and international terrorist threats, to assist in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, according to a memo seen by Reuters.
    Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on back

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!