Definitions

back

[bak] / bæk /

ADJECTIVE

end

Synonyms

STRONGEST

backward

STRONG

behind final following hind posterior rear rearward tail

WEAK

aback abaft aft after astern back of hindmost in the wake of rearmost

Antonyms

STRONG

beginning first front preceding

WEAK

future

ADJECTIVE

from earlier time

Synonyms

STRONG

delayed elapsed former past

WEAK

overdue previous

Antonyms

STRONG

current future present

WEAK

front

NOUN

end part

Synonyms

STRONGEST

rear tail

STRONG

backside extremity hindquarters posterior reverse stern tailpiece

WEAK

aft back end far end hindpart tail end

Antonyms

STRONGEST

front

VERB

support

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advocate assist encourage endorse favor finance side with sponsor uphold

STRONG

abet ally angel bankroll boost champion countenance grubstake sanction second stake subsidize sustain underwrite

WEAK

abide by give a boost give a leg up give a lift go to bat for stand behind stick by stick up for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disapprove discourage hinder hurt oppose protest thwart

STRONG

halt prevent refuse

WEAK

advance dissuade go forward

VERB

put in reverse direction

Synonyms

STRONGEST

withdraw

STRONG

backtrack recede regress repel repulse retire retract retreat reverse

WEAK

drive back fall back turn tail

Antonyms

STRONG

advance attract forge meet

WEAK

discourage dissuade go forward

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.

A U.S. helicopter crash spurred an escalation that led both sides to back down and negotiate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

The Briton kept up her standards in the second set, breaking Jovic's serve in the second game before Jovic began to fight back.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

When reached for comment, Anthropic referred back to its blog post as its official statement.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 13, 2026

Aside from its blockbuster spectacle, “Disclosure Day” is a pertinent reminder that, once we let go of our hope, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

As Phineas gradually feels better, he wants to go right out and get back to work.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

Vocabulary lists containing back

"The Vietnam Wars" by Tod Olson

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Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing back

"The Vietnam Wars" by Tod Olson