as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 drop back
On fourth-and-goal, Sagapolutele dropped back, looking, looking, before throwing to tight end Landon Morris in the back of the end zone.
—
Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Wilson, the defending champion in the Orange County Championships and third-place finisher in the CIF SS Division II State championships, dropped back to eighth after the second mile.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025
However, Tagovailoa dropped back to pass and looked for Jaylen Waddle when linebacker Terrel Bernard stepped in front of the pass and picked him off.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins drops back in the second quarter during the NFL 2025 game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drop back
Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Wilson, the defending champion in the Orange County Championships and third-place finisher in the CIF SS Division II State championships, dropped back to eighth after the second mile.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025
However, Tagovailoa dropped back to pass and looked for Jaylen Waddle when linebacker Terrel Bernard stepped in front of the pass and picked him off.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins drops back in the second quarter during the NFL 2025 game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drop back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drop back
Verb
-
Only then would the Israeli military withdraw completely from Gaza, at which point the post-war Gaza plan would turn to economic redevelopment.—
Asher Kaufman,
The Conversation,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The Israeli Defense Forces would gradually withdraw from parts of the Gaza Strip, but would permanently maintain a security buffer on all three land borders.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Mike Bailey delivered a superkick to Dax Harwood, and Kevin Knight hit Cash Wheeler with a dropkick, sending FTR and Stokely retreating and ending the chaotic confrontation.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
-
When the sun sets, retreat to the hot tub.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The chances of falling back down to those depths is 23 percent.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Everything can fall back into Vought’s perfect scheme and nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed, nobody gets sent back to Elmira.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Got her shoulder pulled out and finished the game with her leg being taken out and probably has a fracture.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Now is the time to inspect your heavy coats, pull out thicker bedding and space heaters from storage, and stock up on cozy blankets to get you through the cold weather.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ali retired from boxing undefeated with a perfect 24-0 professional record, including 21 knockouts, and remains a defining figure in women’s sports.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The Canadian treasure, who played the Darth Vader–esque Dark Helmet in the original franchise, retired from acting in the ’90s after his wife died of cancer.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drop%20back. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share