way back

ADJECTIVE

past

Synonyms

STRONGEST

earlier early late old preceding previous prior recent

STRONG

ancient bygone latter over

WEAK

ages ago ancient history back when behind one bypast down memory lane erstwhile ex- foregoing gone-by good old days latter-day long-ago olden days once one-time quondam retired sometime time was way back when

Antonyms

STRONGEST

after current future later on time

STRONG

modern new

WEAK

present

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.

way back

Finding the way back home is an important behavior across the animal kingdom.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 14, 2026

On our way back down, an Australian tourist strayed from the path toward a tunnel entrance.

From Slate ● Sep. 8, 2026

On the way back up, balancing a sack across my back, I arrived at 225.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

Ryan Graham, who directed the finale, started off as a camera trainee way back.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

We walk out of the bathroom and make our way back to my locker.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold