fought 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.

In Game 3, he had Carolina’s third goal in the span of 39 seconds in the third period as they fought back into contention from 4-0 down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

Shell and Paramount’s lawyers fought back, demanding sanctions be leveled against Cipriani for an alleged overreach.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

The Spurs led by 29 points as they aimed to level the best-of-seven series in New York before hosting game five, but the Knicks fought back to win 107-106.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Rising oil prices and a sector-wide profit warning had hit the stocks initially but they quickly fought back after Iran said it has ended its strikes toward Israel.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

It was not hope but something else: it fought back at the mist.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell