backs 1 of 2

plural of back
1
as in rears
a behind part or surface the back of the page was blank

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2
as in soft spots
a vulnerable point a candidate needing a loyal aide who can be relied upon to always watch his back

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backs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of back
1
2
3
as in reinforces
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea) the author needs to back her thesis with more facts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backs
Noun
After the €60million departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, Jorrel Hato is Chelsea’s only senior left-sided option in defence, with Reece James and Malo Gusto as right-backs. Colin Millar, New York Times, 1 July 2026 But unlike fruit flies, these pests have black eyes (not red), distinctive humped backs, and heavier, thicker-veined wings. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026 The rounded backs and breezy linen upholstery make this dining chair duo a great option for your coastal oasis. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026 Fortunately for us, the Southern Living Test Kitchen Team has our backs. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 Babies were killed while sleeping on their mother’s backs. Janine Di Giovanni, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026 These guys, everyone has each other’s backs. ABC News, 24 June 2026 To have each other’s backs and support each other, no matter what. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2026
Verb
The World Economic Forum data backs that up, with resilience, curiosity and creative thinking rising faster in employer priorities than technical credentials. Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Lander also backs an ultra-wealth tax on individuals worth over $1 billion, as well as the Equal Tax Act, which matches tax rates for capital gains and ordinary income over $1 million. Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 June 2026 Samsung also backs it up with fast charging and a battery built to keep up with demanding days. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 Meanwhile, Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) has decided against selling the restaurant and instead backs Ebra’s plan to franchise The Beef throughout Illinois. Kirsten Acuna, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026 Since the proposal was announced in October, Google co-founder Sergey Brin has donated $82 million to a political committee called Building a Better California that backs a variety of initiatives designed to blunt the billionaire tax proposal. CBS News, 26 June 2026 The data backs that instinct up and undercuts it at the same time. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 The president of the Utah state Senate backs him, while Lisonbee has picked up a sizable bloc of support from her fellow state legislators, including leaders in the Utah state House. Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 Since the proposal was announced in October, Google co-founder Sergey Brin has donated $82 million to a political committee called Building a Better California that backs a variety of initiatives designed to blunt the billionaire tax proposal. Sophie Austin, Fortune, 21 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backs
Noun
  • When justice recedes, revenge rears its bloodstained head.
    Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
  • So, the most damaging scandal of Starmer’s premiership rears its head again at a profoundly unstable time for the government.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Avoid pineapples with soft spots, mold, or a fermented smell.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026
  • Bruised or soft spots can be a sign of rot and can speed up the spoilage of the entire melon.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Today, the 20-minute rule remains one of the foundational pillars of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) — a treatment that Walker notes the American Academy of Sleep Medicine endorses as the first-line approach for chronic insomnia, ahead of pharmaceutical interventions.
    Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Shanette Williams endorses Jon Ossoff.
    Adam Beam, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • These can help keep the right amount of chlorine in your pool, which aids in sanitation and keeping algae at bay.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
  • While largely vestigial in humans, its equivalent in animals like dogs channels moisture or aids feeding.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Dress professionally, and either make sure your background is clutter free or use a virtual background that reinforces your message.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The order also reinforces Saab’s position in the global submarine market.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The life-size robotic elephants in Prasanth Prakashan's backyard workshop have ears that flap, tails that swish and trunks that squirt water.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Opossums have hairless tails, ears and paws susceptible to frostbite.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Once Woll’s bratty vamp was through draining jugulars, the actress found a second signature role as Karen Page on Marvel’s Daredevil (2015–2018).
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The group advocates for civil rights protections for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Civil liberties advocates say Streever's email is not a threat.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Backs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backs. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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