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

"I cannot tell you how heartbreaking it is to know that my children's lives could have looked completely different," she said, fighting back tears.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

More generally, Nvidia is fighting back with a rapid pace of innovation, launching major architecture updates to its AI servers every two years, and upgrades in the intervening years.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

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

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen