away back

ADVERB

formerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already earlier heretofore once

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a while back aforetime anciently at one time back back when before before now before this down memory lane eons ago erewhile in former times in the olden days in the past lately long ago of old of yore olden days once upon a time radically some time ago time was used to be water under the bridge

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future presently subsequently

ADVERB

once

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already before earlier formerly late previously

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a single time at one time back back when but once bygone heretofore in the old days in the olden days in times gone by in times past long ago old on one occasion once only once upon a time one one time before one time previously only one time quondam sometime this time time was whilom

Antonyms

STRONGEST

currently future later presently

ADVERB

previously

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already formerly heretofore hitherto long ago once then

STRONG

antecedently

WEAK

a while ago ahead ante at one time back back when before beforehand erstwhile fore forward in advance in anticipation in days gone by in the past precedently time was until now

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future later presently

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.

But as he sat typing away, back in the early 90s, he had no idea it would do well.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

It’s later in the season this time though, and getting going doesn’t carry the same promise of chipping away back into contention.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2022

It was laborious, and the words always seemed to slip away back to the page when I wasn’t looking.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2021

She said that retrospectively, she wishes she still had the same features now that she was wishing away back then.

From Fox News • May 7, 2021

Now and then they would almost step into it, and quickly pull away, back into crops and local gossip and politics and health.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

away back

Example Sentences

Related Words