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
Messi dropped back as a deep-lying playmaker in the second half and was more effective, splitting the Colombia backline with precise passing.
—
Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 June 2025
Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 28, 2024 in East Lansing, Michigan.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
But after dusk, the temperature is dropping back into the 60s.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
From there, the hike drops back down to the edge of the cliffs above the ocean.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for drop back
Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 June 2025
Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 28, 2024 in East Lansing, Michigan.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
But after dusk, the temperature is dropping back into the 60s.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
From there, the hike drops back down to the edge of the cliffs above the ocean.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for drop back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drop back
Verb
-
Israel is under pressure from its own to withdraw from Gaza over humanitarian concerns.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 June 2025
-
The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has urged Tehran to allow the agency to inspect the sites, but Iran is yet to agree, and has threatened to withdraw cooperation with the watchdog.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
Groups of demonstrators retreated to nearby streets, only to cut back and regroup near the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park.—
Liz Tracey,
JSTOR Daily,
24 June 2025
-
Many analysts believe Iran will retreat, reassemble its nuclear scientists and rebuild its program.—
Kristina Karisch,
The Hill,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
With a 3-over 73 on his 29th birthday, the triple-bogey on No. 1 being his first since the 2024 BMW Championship, Scheffler fell back to the cluster at 7-under.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2025
-
Ever since that buzzy vodka cocktail fell back into favor in 2021—and flew onto cocktail menus around the world—java is popping up all over menus in classic and unexpected ways.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
The House of Representatives has passed legislation which its supporters say aims to stop U.S. funds from ending up in the hands of the Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan after the U.S. pulled out of the country in 2021.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
-
Ominously, Iranian officials are already publicly hinting at pulling out of a key treaty – the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or NPT – designed to monitor and prevent the global spread of nuclear weapons.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
Gary retired from acting in 1979 — except for briefly reprising the role of Ellen in the 1987 film Jaws: The Revenge.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
20 June 2025
-
When Stanley was hired in 1999, the city provided health-insurance subsidies up to age 65 for firefighters who retired after 25 years of service or who retired because of disabilities, according to court documents.—
Jim Saunders,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drop%20back. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share