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back when

ADJECTIVE

past

Synonyms

STRONGEST

earlier early late old preceding previous prior recent

STRONG

ancient bygone latter over

WEAK

ages ago ancient history behind one bypast down memory lane erstwhile ex- foregoing gone-by good old days latter-day long-ago olden days once one-time quondam retired sometime time was way back way back when

Antonyms

STRONGEST

after current future later on time

STRONG

modern new

WEAK

present

ADVERB

ago

Synonyms

WEAK

ages ago back before from way back from year one gone since since God knows when time was

ADVERB

anciently

Synonyms

WEAK

eons ago in days of yore long ago of old olden days

ADVERB

formerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already earlier heretofore once

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a while back aforetime anciently at one time away back back 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 away back back 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 away back back 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.

Omar Artan was set to be the first match official from Somalia to referee at a World Cup finals, but he was turned back when he arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

"Even every time I watch it back, when it gets to that point, I get, goosebumps," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Authorities once tolerated Jin and others like him, back when China’s economy was thriving and the country was gradually opening up to the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

“I started the club back when fragrance’s popularity was still pretty niche, and now seeing it move into the mainstream is really exciting,” says Washington-Harmon.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

He said I’d get it back when I left, but if I wanted anything from it in the meantime, I’d have to go ask him.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

back when

Example Sentences

Related Words