BACKWOODS Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

backwoods 1 of 2

plural noun

ˈbak-ˈwu̇dz

Definition of backwoods

as in countryside

a rural region that forms the edge of the settled or developed part of a country lived far out in the backwoods and raised hogs for a living

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backwoods

2 of 2

adjective

as in rural

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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 backwoods

Adjective

The Curse of Buckout Road Witches burning at the stake, backwoods albino killers and a modern day stalker prove to be more than urban legends on this New York state byway. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2019 The weekend gets going on Friday with music from Gator Nate, the lovable backwoods yahoo and role model for many a UF pledge. — Ben Crandell, sun-sentinel.com, 22 Aug. 2019 Clustered among pine forests and sunny prairies along scenic backwoods roads 20 miles south of town, Perkins Tank and JD Dam Lake comprise a water-centric tour of the Kaibab National Forest’s southern sector. — Mare Czinar, azcentral, 5 July 2019 Think of the backwoods ranger and Minuteman, the Confederate cavalry officer, the flying ace of World War I, the commando, the Green Beret and SEAL. — John F. Ross, WSJ, 4 June 2019 See All Example Sentences for backwoods

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backwoods

Adjective

Survival Condo, an elaborate compound in rural Kansas, boasts education facilities, a rock-climbing wall and a 75-foot salt water pool.

— Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Kerry was arrested in July and charged with murdering 78-year-old Widdecombe, who was found dead at her rural house in southwest England on July 8.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of rural

Adjective

But Carney’s united front is being tested once more, following separatist Parti Québécois’ (PQ) win in Quebec’s provincial election on Monday.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
New Brunswick’s provincial government has already signed a Letter of Intent to purchase power from the plant.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of provincial

Adjective

Lines that seem artlessly off-the-cuff on first pass accrue an unexpected weight and purpose the fourth time through; the countrified guitar lick that sounds so chipper at the start of a song is dripping with melancholy by the end.

— Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026
Timed to coincide with Cactus League spring training, the countrified Innings Fest offshoot is in its third year, bringing 20 artists with no overlapping sets to two main stages.

— Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of countrified

Adjective

But also multi-country emigration tales, as in Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Previous World Cups were concentrated within one nation, but this year supporters often crossed international borders, making the multi-country experience part of the tournament's appeal.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of country

Adjective

This car-less experience contributes to the bucolic experience of the environs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
With few neighbors to speak of, save for a few sheep or cows in nearby fields, there’ll be no arguing over bedrooms—the views from each and every one are bucolic.

— Katie Silcox, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of bucolic

Browse Nearby Words

backwater

backwoods

backwoodsman

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Cite this Entry

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“Backwoods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backwoods. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of backwoods

plural noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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