1
2
3
as in backward
toward the rear
concert security asked the crowd to move back
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
1
as in to advocate
to promote the interests or cause of
she enthusiastically backed the plan to renovate and upgrade the school's facilities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to aid
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
a number of influential people have already agreed to back the candidate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of back
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
6 July 2026
Looking back through the sequence, Brazil have good numbers back and there is little need for anyone to overcommit — but a lazy tackle from behind leads to a free kick in a dangerous area.
—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
6 July 2026
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2026
The fact that Portis always has Antetokounmpo’s back has further strengthened their friendship.
—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 July 2026
Eight of the Democrats backed by that PAC, including Kiros, have won their primaries.
—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 2026
Unlike much of the group stage, Sunday’s game was a sloppy, sleepy affair, with South Africa relying on some heroic play from its back line to keep the game even.
—
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for back
Adverb
The crucial pretrial hearing was pushed back as prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred over what evidence could be presented and if cameras would be allowed in the courtroom.
—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
6 July 2026
Looking back through the sequence, Brazil have good numbers back and there is little need for anyone to overcommit — but a lazy tackle from behind leads to a free kick in a dangerous area.
—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
6 July 2026
Noun
Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is signing with the Chiefs after being released by the Tennessee Titans in March, a source told The Star, returning the defensive back who was a critical part of the Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII championship runs.
—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2026
The fact that Portis always has Antetokounmpo’s back has further strengthened their friendship.
—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Verb
Here’s what readers are asking most, backed by the latest data.
—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 July 2026
Eight of the Democrats backed by that PAC, including Kiros, have won their primaries.
—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Adjective
Rat droppings were also found in the back storage room, mop sink room and front service cabinet.
—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 2026
Unlike much of the group stage, Sunday’s game was a sloppy, sleepy affair, with South Africa relying on some heroic play from its back line to keep the game even.
—
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back
Adverb
-
For some women who survived breast cancer that now means systemic hormones such as progesterone, estrogen and testosterone, unheard of for most women a decade ago.
-
The Tifton mother of three, whose children each have serious medical conditions, faced a difficult decision when her oldest, Jayden, was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago.
Adverb
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Last year, the charity Oxfam noted that G7 countries, which collectively account for around 75% of all official development assistance, were set to slash their aid spending by 28% in 2026 compared to 2024 levels.
-
The relaxed V-neck tank top has a pretty scalloped trim, while the stretchy shorts give you plenty of room to move around.
Adverb
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Now, a younger consumer may discover the reward experience first, join because the program feels culturally relevant and then work backward into the hotel brands and booking behavior.
-
Everything was at stake for the Los Angeles Lakers, but as free agency started Monday, the organization seemed stuck in neutral — if not moving backward in reverse.
Noun
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Miller, one of the other cadets, sat on a bench on the rear of the ship one afternoon as hundreds of dolphins crested above the waves.
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As officers came close, the tow truck slammed on its brakes, causing the squad car to collide with the rear of the truck, the source said.
Noun
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And then Alvarez went for the jugular with a grand slam to deep center field.
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The president’s instinct to go for the jugular was on display in his first campaign, when he was written off early on as an entertainer but found success with brutal takedowns.
Verb
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Instead of protecting oneself by avoiding risks, the article advocates for embracing curiosity to explore new ideas, experiment with AI, and develop uniquely human skills like critical thinking, communication, and creativity.
-
The administration also cracked down on student protesters in 2025 for advocating on behalf of Palestinians during the war in Gaza.
Verb
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Sportswear giant Nike posted quarterly earnings that topped forecasts, aided by an expected refund of nearly $986 million in tariffs.
-
The death toll includes thousands of children, in addition to aid workers and journalists.
Verb
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But the additional wording on the MSG sign about confidentiality during and post-event reinforces that there is no livestream, no TV broadcast and likely a social media blackout – until Swift and Kelce deem otherwise.
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Goldman Sachs reinforced that view this week, initiating coverage with a buy rating and a $186 price target.
Video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs
Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes
Cite this Entry
“Back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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