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Definitions

back-water

VERB
slow
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate curb curtail decelerate decrease diminish hinder impede lag lessen moderate reduce relax retard slacken stall temper
STRONG
brake check choke detain loiter mire postpone procrastinate qualify quiet reef regulate stunt
WEAK
anchor it bog down cut back cut down ease off ease up embog hit the brakes hold back hold up keep waiting let down flaps lose speed lose steam reduce speed rein in set back wind down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance agitate aid allow assist develop encourage enlarge excite expand extend facilitate forward further grow help increase lengthen prolong push raise strengthen
STRONG
accelerate do expedite liberate release

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.

This is often called a "water bomb", where the upstream country can temporarily hold back water and then release it suddenly, without warning, causing massive damage downstream.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2025

Plans to scale back water usage from the imperiled Colorado River have been hindered by a tiny fish no bigger than an index finger.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2024

The cities will need to carefully treat garbage and other waste materials to get back water and create more soil for farming.

From NewsForKids.net • Feb. 12, 2024

Clogged gutters can back water up onto your roof, causing mold and damage.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2023

I can tell she's imagining an empty bucket drifting down into the dark well and coming back, water sloshing out of its sides like tears.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi