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
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
Starmer said the United Kingdom is ready to back the plan with boots on the ground and planes in the air. David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025 The stock dip on Monday means its market capitalization is now smaller than rival UOL Group Ltd., a developer backed by Singapore’s Wee clan. Jason Ma, Fortune Asia, 3 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
  • Ruggiero said all of Jackson’s hospitals are using wireless monitors so expecting moms who want natural childbirth can walk around.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • What the people of New Orleans and the Mekong Delta need is the restoration of good floods that can spread sediment around to rebuild their deltas.
    Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • So Far Baldoni claimed that during a meeting at Lively’s Tribeca penthouse to discuss a scene rewrite, a famous celebrity — later revealed to be Swift — happened to stop by and advocated for Lively’s writing.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
  • More than just a professional network, MWP is a movement advocating for policies that make workplaces more inclusive while also giving Muslim women the tools and confidence to thrive in their careers.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes, 6 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
  • Israel has cut the flow of electricity to the last facility in Gaza that was still receiving power from the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) and has closed its main crossings with the enclave to aid.
    Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Doctor Reveals Shocking Responses When People Find Out Husband's Profession Looking back, the experience has only reinforced what Jackson believes about love and fate.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The lens ships with the standard accessories: front and rear caps, a reversible hood, and a carrying pouch.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Its 5100-mAh battery gives you up to 13 hours of life, and its front and rear cameras can be used with the Google Lens app to match up products with online sellers, translate texts from foreign languages, and identify plants and animals.
    Ho Lin, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Essentially build backward by designing processes and technologies that align with your goals and are flexible enough to meet future needs.
    Ziva Hallaji, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • For the majority of her two-decade gymnastics career, Moors has avoided tumbling backward.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There is a stark contrast between defending artistic freedom and endorsing an individual who weaponizes their platform to spread bigotry.
    David Renzer, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Trump didn’t actually end up endorsing Massie’s primary opponent in the next election.
    W. James Antle III, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The latest move to reduce the number of federal health workers comes as the the CDC is assisting with a deadly measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico and as lawmakers are debating deep cuts to Medicaid in the federal budget.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Jenner was assisted by sister styling duo Alexandra Rose and Mackenzie Grandquist, who she’s worked with since 2022.
    Hannah Malach, WWD, 10 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 18 Mar. 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!