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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.

Warsh’s colleagues are wary of the analogy because back then, the Fed was debating whether to hold rates or hike—not cut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The family cuts back on costs by shopping at discount grocer Aldi and limiting entertainment expenses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

He urged her to name the child after his brother if he was a boy, she says, and returned from a trip back to the UK with an engagement ring.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Newgarden’s chances declined upon discovering a flat spot on his left front tire, and he dropped back to 14th.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

A copy of Where the Red Fern Grows poked out of his back jeans pocket.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing back

"The Vietnam Wars" by Tod Olson

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