fall back

verb

Definition of fall backnext
as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fall back Fowler surged into the lead — briefly — at 11 under before falling back to the pack. — CBS News, 31 July 2026 Since returning from the lat procedure, his fastball velocity has dipped 2 mph and his strikeout rate has fallen back to league average. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Typically, party members will fall back in line when an election arrives, and Smith thinks that will be especially true in a midterm year when Democrats are angry. — Margie Cullen, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Shortly after, Adrianne falls back into the water from the ledge where the group had stopped. — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
  1. withdraw
  2. retreat
  3. drop back
  4. pull out
  5. retire
Verb
  • The Federal Reserve and FDIC withdrew their crypto-asset guidance for banks in April 2025.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The program closed two locations due to the changes and says more than 30 students have withdrawn.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of withdraw
Verb
  • Exxon shares retreated about 2% in premarket trading on Friday as it’s adjusted per-share profit narrowly missed forecasts.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Our responsibility as university leaders is not to dismiss or retreat from them, but to confront them honestly.
    — Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of retreat
Verb
  • But Gunther dropped back down to the mat, forcing Aldis to tap out for the victory.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But first, dropping back from a low zone along the right sideline, Pettus snared a deep pass intended for Mack Hollins amid a crowd of players.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop back
Verb
  • So why did Stephenson stop in the middle of a 10-mile run Saturday morning to pull out his phone and try to sign up his family to do it all over again?
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Then, one of the men can be seen pulling out a gun, shooting at the influencer and immediately fleeing the scene.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of pull out
Verb
  • The department currently possesses 49 drones, but an unspecified number are set to be retired and replaced by the new acquisitions.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Milwaukee reliever Grant Anderson threw a one-two-three seventh and got the first out of the eighth, Abner Uribe retired two batters in the eighth, and closer Trevor Megill retired the side in order with a strikeout in the ninth.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of retire

Browse Nearby Words

fall away
fall back
fall back on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fall back

Nglish: Translation of fall back for Spanish Speakers

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