force back

VERB

repel

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chase away confront drive away drive off fend off hold off rebuff resist ward off withstand

STRONG

buck check cool cut decline dismiss disown dispute duel fight kick oppose parry rebut refuse reject traverse

WEAK

beat back beat off brush off cast aside drive back force off give cold shoulder to hold back keep at arm's length keep at bay keep off knock down push back put down put to flight stand up against stave off turn down

Antonyms

STRONG

accept agree aid allow approve assist help increase sanction support

WEAK

attract draw

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.

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force back

It is possible that the Washington could leave the region and head back to its home port in Japan, bringing the force back down to two carriers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

As mayor, would you bring the force back to 8,700?

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2026

D.C.’s goal is to get the force back up to 4,000 officers.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 8, 2023

Walton was well read, but he knew next to nothing about Memphis State’s team, including its reputation as a healing force back home.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 31, 2023

I was still trying to force back the blackest thought of all; the merest suggestion of it sent the rat’s feet of panic skittering up my spine.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

force back

Example Sentences

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