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Synonyms

beat back

Idioms  
  1. Force to retreat or withdraw, as in His findings beat back all their arguments to the contrary. This phrase was often used in a military context (and still is), as in Their armies were beaten back. [Late 1500s]


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.

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“While bears beat back the bullish test higher, however, searing heat will return early next week, particularly in Texas, while Corpus Christi LNG feedgas nominations are creeping up.”

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 24, 2026

In the Democratic primary, Platner, 41, beat back Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, who is 78.

From Salon Jul. 8, 2026

Ranchers and vets say this $4 treatment for cattle will help them beat back flesh-eating screwworm.

From MarketWatch Jun. 12, 2026

Yet Lopez once again beat back her well-funded opposition.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 11, 2026

A civil defense official in Las Vegas, Nevada, recommended the formation of a five-thousand-man militia—not to fight Russians, but to beat back Californians who might arrive once the bombs began to fall.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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