hang back

verb

hung back; hanging back; hangs back
Synonyms of hang backnext

intransitive verb

1
: to drag behind others
2
: to be reluctant

Synonyms of hang back

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Examples of hang back in a Sentence

even though the young mother wanted the job, she still hung back because she wasn't sure if she should spend time away from her family
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.
Students who do well move on to separate rooms known as mastery labs for accelerated coursework, while those who struggle hang back for further help from teachers. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2026 Uncle Jimmy hung back by the drippy windows at the rear of the kitchen nursing a Schlitz. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 David hung back, letting Cody be the one to approach the woman sitting at the front desk, crowded out by a floral arrangement. — Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026 Almost every player decided to hang back to get some extra work. — Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hang back

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hang back was in 1581

Rhymes for hang back

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Browse Nearby Words

hang around
hang back
hang behind
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Cite this Entry

“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20back. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hang back

verb
1
: to linger behind others
hung back to wait for the slower children
2
: to be unwilling to do something : hesitate
always hangs back when everyone else is dancing
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