fallback

1 of 2

noun

fall·​back ˈfȯl-ˌbak How to pronounce fallback (audio)
Synonyms of fallbacknext
1
: something on which one can fall back : reserve
—often used attributively
a fallback career
a fallback position
2
: a falling back : retreat
3
: something that falls back
the fallback from an explosion

fall back

2 of 2

verb

fell back; fallen back; falling back; falls back

intransitive verb

: retreat, recede
see also:
fall back on

Synonyms of fallback

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Verb

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Examples of fallback in a Sentence

Verb resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
If this model spreads, public access to home listings could become a fallback rather than the default. — Derrick Johnson, Time, 4 Aug. 2026 Ten million jobs are tied to cars, parts and dealers — the economic backbone of entire regions that have no obvious fallback. — Philipp Kampshoff, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Verb
Global oil prices fell back on Friday after a week of volatility. — Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 Faced with an assessment task that is squishy, particularly when dealing with students who are at the beginning of their growth as writers, many teachers have fallen back on structural measures. — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fallback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fallback was in 1607

Rhymes for fallback

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Browse Nearby Words

fall away
fallback
fall back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fallback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallback. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fall back

verb
: retreat entry 2 sense 1
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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