The antonyms for the word "drove back" can be considered as various approaches towards "not returning". Some of the antonyms that can fit well with "drove back" are retreat, surrender, stay, remain, persist, and advance. Retreat suggests the action of withdrawing from an enemy or difficult situation. Surrender means to give up control, power or possession. Stay and remain both signify the state of a person or thing continuing in a place, circumstance, or condition. Persist indicates continuing one's target, idea, or attitude despite opposition or pressure. The antonym of "drove back", advance, refers to moving forward or progressing-like accomplishing goals or overcoming obstacles. Each of these antonyms possesses a different meaning and is suitable in different scenarios.