back burner

NOUN

reduced priority

Synonyms

WEAK

abeyance cold storage limbo suspension

Antonyms

WEAK

front burner

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.

Right now, with all the discussion about the new rules, and the more entertaining racing this year, this particular topic is on the back burner.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

But Epstein talk has definitely been on the back burner in recent weeks, with the war in Iran especially taking precedence.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Investors, soothed by a lowering of tensions between the U.S. and China, have put trade worries on the back burner.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Tesla has shown how tough it is to build a business around an affordable EV by putting its own affordable vehicle plans on the back burner.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

“The captain of my fast-pitch softball team did not just imply that our first section tournament game is something she put on the back burner of her brain. She didn’t. I know she didn’t....”

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone