put on the back burner

VERB

pigeonhole

Synonyms

STRONG

assort class classify defer delay dismiss file group hold label peg postpone rank sideline sort tab table

WEAK

hold off hold up lay aside put aside put down as put off put on hold put on ice type cast

Antonyms

STRONG

advance disorder expedite forward hasten hurry maintain scatter

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.

Combining SpaceX and Tesla was also reportedly floated by Musk and his executives — but that could be put on the back burner.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 2, 2026

Of the five, Gish is her least favorite, a girl every bit as clever as she was — a reminder of what she’s permanently put on the back burner.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025

The only treatment offered to her was a Mirena coil, and she now feels she has been "put on the back burner" with no further medication.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

In the following three decades, the sheet stayed in the drawer, the research approach was put on the back burner.

From Science Daily • Nov. 10, 2023

“The captain of my fast-pitch softball team did not just imply that our first section tournament game is something she put on the back burner of her brain. She didn’t. I know she didn’t....”

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone

put on the back burner

Example Sentences

Related Words