The phrase "came on like" is often used to describe someone's behavior or demeanor, indicating they are acting in a certain way or making a strong impression. However, there are several antonyms for this phrase that portray a different emotion or attitude entirely. One might say someone "retreated like" or "backed away from" instead of coming on strong. Alternatively, they may "approach tentatively" or "came off as shy" instead of coming on strong. These different antonyms can drastically alter the meaning of a sentence, showcasing the importance of choosing our words carefully to portray exactly what we mean.