GIVING GROUND Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

giving ground

phrase

present participle of give ground

as in retreating

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) There is wildlife in the area, so give ground if you see any when hiking.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for giving ground

Phrase

The war has unfolded in fits and starts, with bursts of overwhelming American firepower repeatedly giving way to promises that diplomacy might bring it to an end.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Kevin Terrell / Getty Images Earlier this week, Harbaugh announced that starting quarterback Justin Herbert and the first-team unit will play for just one opening series before giving way to backups.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of giving way

Phrase

Somber postgame interviews have become the norm in recent weeks as Inter Miami is stuck in a rut, on a five-game winless streak and losing ground in the Supporters Shield race.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Nike is losing ground to newer competitors, its products haven’t created the same excitement and consumers aren’t exactly eager to pay more for sneakers right now.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of losing ground

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.

Browse Nearby Words

giving birth to

giving ground

giving in

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Giving ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/giving%20ground. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of giving ground

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes