Definitions

back burner

NOUN

reduced priority

Synonyms

WEAK

abeyance cold storage limbo suspension

Antonyms

WEAK

front burner

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.

Retirement savings went on the back burner at age 50 when Ed Myrick’s son was born.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

“Today’s signal: that’s on the back burner now, not that it’s ever gotten off the ground,” Haines said in a note.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Those who were thinking about the parties' green policies said they feared climate change had been "put on the back burner".

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

But Epstein talk has definitely been on the back burner in recent weeks, with the war in Iran especially taking precedence.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

“The captain of my fast-pitch softball team did not just imply that our first section tournament game is something she put on the back burner of her brain. She didn’t. I know she didn’t....”

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone