back 1 of 4

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

back

2 of 4

noun

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

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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

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back

3 of 4

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

back

4 of 4

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word back different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of back are advocate, champion, support, and uphold. While all these words mean "to favor actively one that meets opposition," back suggests supporting by lending assistance to one failing or falling.

refusing to back the call for sanctions

When can advocate be used instead of back?

While the synonyms advocate and back are close in meaning, advocate stresses urging or pleading.

advocated prison reform

Where would champion be a reasonable alternative to back?

The words champion and back are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, champion suggests publicly defending one unjustly attacked or too weak to advocate his or her own cause.

championed the rights of children

When might support be a better fit than back?

In some situations, the words support and back are roughly equivalent. However, support is least explicit about the nature of the assistance given.

supports waterfront development

When is it sensible to use uphold instead of back?

The words uphold and back can be used in similar contexts, but uphold implies extended support given to something attacked.

upheld the legitimacy of the military action

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
Residents will be transported to another location and will not be allowed to go back inside. Latoya Gayle, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 The teaser features several nostalgic nods to the 2003 flick, including Lohan and Curtis running into each other at full force to switch their bodies back. EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
The man was shot in the back, and had several bones broken in the shooting. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025 In addition to being comfortable, the petite-friendly pants are also functional thanks to the multiple pockets on the back and sides. Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
Eventually the board came to a consensus on a pair of motions that backed some aspects of the plan while balking at another. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025 His decision appalled the left, who see backing the bill as tantamount to offering a free hand to Trump and his deeply controversial ally Elon Musk. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The prospect game will also serve as the official unveiling of a number of 2024 draftees who have so far been limited to the back fields at the Peoria Sports Complex. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 Inside, a seating area by the front window can be rented by nonprofits and community groups, a coffee shop by the back wall sells avocado toast and strawberry smoothies, and there’s more space to work upstairs than at a Barnes and Noble. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
  • Essential oil aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years worldwide.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 16 Mar. 2025
  • An easy and instructive way to learn about Pompeii’s history is to pay a fee for a two hour tour, then march around in a group led by a flag bearer.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The roof is painted black, while the black rose hue is complemented by satin rose gold accents at the front, sides and rear of the vehicle.
    Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The front dinette is a classic European layout that incorporates a two-seat rear bench, swivel cab seats and an expandable table to serve them.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Almost straight from the restart, France pressured Argentina into a hurried clearance, and from there France went straight for the jugular.
    Jonathan Clegg, WSJ, 18 Dec. 2022
  • Monica goes for the jugular, among other vulnerable body parts.
    Charles McNultyTheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2022
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
  • Now, Lawrence will become a key piece of the Seahawks' defense, and a pass rush specialist that can aid the unit improve in 2025.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to North Carolina’s red-wolf crossings, the program has awarded grants for nearly three dozen projects — some of which will aid imperiled species such as ocelots and desert tortoises, many more that will seek to avert dangerous crashes with large mammals like deer, elk, and moose.
    Ben Goldfarb, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Those inquiries reinforce earlier press reports based on leaks and add frightening detail.
    Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • This reinforces the understanding that poor sleep is not just a symptom, but a contributing factor to mental health challenges.
    Lia Miller, Parents, 14 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
Noun
  • Lenny Kravitz has a soft spot for young fans — especially those who share his name!
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • He's always had a little bit of a soft spot for Johnny in his mind, even if he's done some rough things over the years.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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