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.

And in the small role of Bianca, with whom Cassio has a dalliance, the terrific Rebecca Ana Peña makes a fiery impression, savagely fighting back against Iago’s brutality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 9, 2026

After losing her opening service game, Gauff saved two more break points at 4-2 down before fighting back to win the next four games to clinch the first set against Potapova.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

It’s good to see at least someone fighting back.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Juanita blinked, fighting back her tears as she looked up at us.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall