The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word FAVOUR
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
F
A
V
O
U
R
More clues leading to the result FAVOUR
- Number keeping a slightly larger number back
- Champion oarsmen eclipsing a slightly larger crew?
- Sign of support rowing crew draped over a vessel’s front
- Give preferential treatment to student lacking in quality
- Go for help
- Good turn from Labour’s leader, out of character
- Kindness to a 5 in 4
- Prefer 4 over very good 5
- Prefer small group to secure a victory
- A number in quartet show preference
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "back" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case back = favour.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FAVOUR mean?
FAVOUR noun- A kind or helpful deed; an instance of voluntarily assisting (someone).
- Goodwill; benevolent regard.
- A small gift; a party favor.
- Mildness or mitigation of punishment; lenity.
- The object of regard; person or thing favoured.
- Appearance; look; countenance; face.
- Partiality; bias.
- A letter, a written communication.
- Anything worn publicly as a pledge of a woman's favor.
- (in the plural) Lovelocks.
- To look upon fondly; to prefer.
- To encourage, conduce to
- To do a favor [noun sense 1] for; to show beneficence toward.
- To treat with care.
- (including) To resemble, to look like (another person).