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Definitions

tailgate

[teyl-geyt] / ˈteɪlˌgeɪt /
VERB
accompany
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attend escort follow guide lead
STRONG
chaperon conduct consort convoy date dog draft drag guard shadow spook squire usher
WEAK
associate with come along go along hang around with hang out keep company look after shlep along show about show around stick to string along tag along take out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon disregard leave lose neglect
STRONG
ignore
WEAK
desert withdraw
VERB
drive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cruise drag fly guide operate propel push ride run send speed spin start steer transport travel turn
STRONG
actuate advance bicycle bike coast cycle dash direct handle impel manage mobilize motor roll tool wheel
WEAK
bear down burn rubber burn up the road fire up floor it lean on it make sparks fly pour it on step on it step on the gas vehiculate
Antonyms
STRONGEST
halt hold keep remain stand stay stop walk
STRONG
mismanage neglect
WEAK
check curb discourage dissuade repress retard
VERB
follow
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accompany attend seek track
STRONG
catenate chase concatenate convoy dog draggle escort freeze hound hunt persecute search shadow shag spook stalk tag tail
WEAK
bring up the rear come with dog the footsteps of give chase go after go with onto put a tail on run after run down schlepp along stick to string along tag after tag along take out after
Antonyms
STRONGEST
neglect
STRONG
ignore leave alone let go run away
WEAK
avoid disregard go before lead misunderstand not get pass over precede scorn shun slight

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.

The new rules stipulate that all doors except the tailgate "shall be equipped with a mechanical release exterior door handle".

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

They tailgate, party and eventually walk into the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025

It was inspired by state fairs, long summer nights and tailgate parties, made popular in the US.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

Underneath the platform, I built two flat drawers that slide out the back of the van to create a tailgate kitchen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

He was humming the wedding song and drumming his finger on the edge of the tailgate.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.