backyards
/ˈbækˌjɑːrdz/
NOUN
1. Outdoor areas behind houses
Outdoor areas or yards located at the rear of houses or similar residential buildings, typically used for recreation, gardening, or other domestic activities.
1.1. Residential outdoor spaces
Refers to private outdoor areas behind homes, which may contain lawns, gardens, patios, play areas, or other facilities for household activities and recreation.
Synonyms
- yards
- dooryards
Antonyms
- front yards
Examples
- Backyards are popular places for families to gather and enjoy outdoor activities.
- Many homeowners transform their backyards into beautiful gardens with flowers and trees.
- Children played in their backyards while their parents prepared dinner.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Nearby areas and local surroundings
The neighborhoods, surrounding areas, or familiar localities near a person's home or workplace, particularly places within their immediate geographical environment.
2.1. Neighborhoods and surrounding areas
Used figuratively to describe nearby neighborhoods, local communities, and surrounding geographical areas familiar to someone because of their proximity to home or work.
Synonyms
- environments
- environs
- neighborhoods
- purlieus
- surroundings
- surrounds
- vicinages
- vicinities
Examples
- Local businesses are increasingly expanding into neighborhoods and backyards.
- Environmental pollution in our backyards can affect the health of entire communities.
- Community organizations are working to improve public spaces in their backyards.
Related Words
NOUN
3. Territories within a country's sphere of influence
Geographical areas near a country or political jurisdiction that it considers strategically important or within its sphere of political, economic, or military influence.
3.1. Geopolitical influence and regional interests
Describes neighboring territories or regions that a country regards as part of its strategic interests, often implying expectations of political influence or resistance to outside interference.
Synonyms
- spheres of influence
- domains
- territories
Examples
- Major powers often compete for influence in each other's backyards.
- The government opposed foreign military intervention in its backyards.
- The dispute raised concerns about growing geopolitical competition in the region's backyards.
Related Words
- geopolitics
- sovereignty
- jurisdiction
- foreign policy
- border regions
- strategic interests
- regional powers
- neighboring countries