fighting back

VERB

defend oneself

Synonyms

WEAK

beat off bottle up check contain control curb fend off hold at bay hold back keep at bay oppose put up fight repel reply repress repulse resist restrain retaliate stave off ward off

Antonyms

WEAK

give in give up surrender yield

VERB

defend

Synonyms

STRONGEST

resist retaliate

WEAK

beat off bottle up check contain control curb fight off hold back oppose repel reply repress repulse restrain stave off ward off

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.

Salesforce is fighting back by selling its own agents under the Agentforce banner.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

These immigrants, many of whom were arrested “without warning at work, at routine check-ins with immigration authorities or after immigration court proceedings,” are fighting back with lawsuits against the federal government.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

What makes Carvajal-Muñoz’s story different is that he is fighting back against the agents who violated his rights—and stands a real chance of winning.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

The theme of underdogs fighting back against powerful characters was compelling for 1930s audiences, and the same thread runs through other genres.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

I sit on the edge of my bed for a long time, fighting back tears.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen