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Definitions

take back

VERB
retract
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cancel reclaim renege repeal repossess rescind revoke withdraw
WEAK
abjure back down backpedal call off change one's mind eat one's words forget it go back on have change of heart recall recant repudiate
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow approve permit

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.

After her divorce, she hired a new adviser—a woman—who helped her take back control of her financial life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

In addition, as part of the new agreement, the district agreed to rescind more than 200 layoffs and is being pressed to take back more.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Russia has never helped NPT nonweapons states make nuclear fuel; it sells them Russian enriched fuel and offers to take back their plutonium-laden spent fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Lisa de-Laune tried meditation, solo travelling, learning to salsa and eating oysters as part of her efforts to "take back control" when her life became tough.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Wish I could take back the question because I sure don’t want to tell him I’m reading poetry.

From "Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome