English Reference

Phrasal verb

roar back

Definition

phrasal verb. to return to a strong or successful position very quickly after a difficult time. You use this when a team or a business becomes powerful again after losing.

phrasal verb. To return to a state of prominence, success, or intensity with significant force or speed, typically following a period of decline or inactivity. The verb is intransitive.

Examples

“The team was losing, but they managed to roar back in the second half.”

“After a slow start to the year, the local economy began to roar back as tourism returned to the city.”

“Despite the initial skepticism from investors, the tech giant roared back with a series of innovative products that redefined the market landscape.”

Examples

simple

“The team was losing, but they managed to roar back in the second half.”

contextual

“After a slow start to the year, the local economy began to roar back as tourism returned to the city.”

complex

“Despite the initial skepticism from investors, the tech giant roared back with a series of innovative products that redefined the market landscape.”

Usage

This phrase is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Teaching tip

The term uses the metaphor of a loud, powerful sound to describe a recovery, making it a favorite in sports and business headlines.

Phrasal verb

Particles

back

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

roar + back

Synonyms

bounce backrecoverreboundmake a comeback

Antonyms

fade awaydeclinecollapse

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/roar-back
English Reference