away back

ADVERB

formerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already earlier heretofore once

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a while back aforetime anciently at one time back back when before before now before this down memory lane eons ago erewhile in former times in the olden days in the past lately long ago of old of yore olden days once upon a time radically some time ago time was used to be water under the bridge

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future presently subsequently

ADVERB

once

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already before earlier formerly late previously

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a single time at one time back back when but once bygone heretofore in the old days in the olden days in times gone by in times past long ago old on one occasion once only once upon a time one one time before one time previously only one time quondam sometime this time time was whilom

Antonyms

STRONGEST

currently future later presently

ADVERB

previously

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already formerly heretofore hitherto long ago once then

STRONG

antecedently

WEAK

a while ago ahead ante at one time back back when before beforehand erstwhile fore forward in advance in anticipation in days gone by in the past precedently time was until now

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future later presently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the mid-1970s, aged 16, she decided to "run away" back to South Africa on her own.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2023

The face of the green rises steeply before dropping away back and left.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 8, 2022

It was laborious, and the words always seemed to slip away back to the page when I wasn’t looking.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2021

Rather, they shoo it away, back to the margins of the story where the Baroness hangs out.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2021

She looks away, back at the baby, staying silent.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott