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took 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.

Al-Shabaab took back at least 14 towns and districts in Hiiraan last year, and 28 more in neighbouring Middle Shebelle, according to a tally by an AFP journalist in Somalia.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

There was a strong 50,200 rise in full-time employment numbers in December, though that was moderated by a 40,000 drop in part-time positions that took back some of the strength the last two months.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

She was the first woman to be named speaker of the House in 2007, and then took back that role in 2019, making her the first person to do so in more than 60 years.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025

Department of Housing and Urban Development took back $38 million in reserves from the authority to help fund local agencies elsewhere in the country that were then experiencing shortfalls, Van Natter said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2025

A grin crept across my face as I took back the fake teeth.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas