outback

noun

ˈau̇t-ˈbak How to pronounce outback (audio)
Definition of outbacknext
as in countryside
a rural region that forms the edge of the settled or developed part of a country people who live in the Australian outback tend to be self-sufficient

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 outback The Deb dispute is playing out across different fronts in Los Angeles and Australia, overshadowing the feel-good movie about outback teens attending a debutante ball. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026 The changes bring a bit of the Australian outback to the zoo for koalas, which are an endangered species. — Cody Jackson, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026 On Wednesday, April 23, the star, 50, exclusively opened up to PEOPLE about the filming process of her new Netflix action thriller Apex, which is set in the Australian outback, at the movie's NYC premiere. — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 Both Benna and Einhorn were used to André pitching outrageous concepts in conversation over the years, whether in regard to a new client or a road trip involving some remote outback and hallucinogens. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outback
  1. countryside
  2. bush
  3. frontier
  4. hinterland
  5. country
  6. backcountry
  7. backwater
Noun
  • What to do nearby Beyond the estate, there’s all the beauty of the Chianti countryside to explore.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Bearing the brunt of our new climate reality, of course, is the simmering countryside, desert dry and ready to ignite from the first mechanical spark, hot muffler, or flying ember.
    — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of countryside
Noun
  • Images from the scene appeared to show the white Kia overturned in a bush at the base of a sign for the Fountain Hills residential community.
    — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Flanked by hydrangea bushes, this charming Cape Cod-style cottage is the perfect spot for a bachelorette weekend or girls’ trip.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of bush
Noun
  • The suborbital space tourism company hasn't been to the final frontier since June 2024.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The next competitive frontier is not which enterprise has the most data or the most capable AI.
    — Carsten Polenz, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of frontier
Noun
  • In the blizzardy hinterlands, boredom is driving two soldiers mad, and a stranger’s arrival only underscores the futility of the war’s propaganda.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Putin began a neo-imperialist land grab, seizing territory around Russia’s hinterlands.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
Definition of hinterland
Noun
  • Marina was adamant to the federal agents that her former husband could never have given secrets to another country.
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Our country has used science to make society safer and healthier over time, improving lives, making jobs safer, and preventing early deaths.
    — Dr. Marianne Parshley, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • The blades fold inward, flat alongside the main generator housing, minimizing the risk of losing small components in the backcountry.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The large avalanche struck in the late morning as four guides and 11 clients were skiing out to return to civilization at the end of a three-day backcountry-skiing trip to Frog Lake Huts.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of backcountry
Noun
  • Fully restored to its original glory, the mansion is located on the banks of the backwaters of Kerala, and is only accessible by boat from the mainland.
    — Rumit Mehta, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • The movie goes from this weird, seedy love motel to the industrial backwaters, and these long walks and talks down empty streets.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Definition of backwater

Browse Nearby Words

out at elbows
outback
outbalance
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Cite this Entry

“Outback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outback. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on outback

Nglish: Translation of outback for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about outback

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