give ground

phrase

Definition of give groundnext
as in withdraw
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

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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 give ground Even so, the middle generations are the least willing to give ground. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 The party working against the tighter clock is the one who will give ground first. — Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 Why would Sanders’ movement look at those facts, then give ground in Maine? — David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for give ground
  1. give way
  2. lose ground
Phrase
  • From there, the exhibition gives way to the striking editorial images with which Pavarotti quickly made his name, set against walls washed in scarlet, fuchsia, canary yellow, plum, and terracotta.
    — Alison S. Cohn, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But the cold, analytical qualities typical of both science and documentary film give way to something tender and embodied in Johnson’s hands.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of give way
Phrase
  • The gap between imports and exports hit $100 billion in August, a sign that Trump is losing ground on a signature policy.
    — Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Polls show the party losing ground with those voters and facing unexpectedly tight contests across Texas, including in Paxton’s Senate race and several House districts.
    — Katherine Doyle, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of lose ground

Browse Nearby Words

give birth to
give ground
give in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/give%20ground. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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