DROP BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

drop back

verb

Definition of drop back

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

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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 The loss snapped Miami’s seven-game unbeaten streak in league play and was the team’s third loss in a row after dropping back-to-back games in the Leagues Cup tournament. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026 The Chiefs dropped back to throw 32 times on third downs in the red zone last season, nearly two per game. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 Haynes took the shotgun snap at the 10 and dropped back to the 14 before shooting up the middle, pump faking around the seven and diving into the end zone for the game-winning score. — Los Angeles Times, 7 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 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drop back

Verb

Being part of a dominant defense was one reason players like Camon withdrew from the NCAA transfer portal.

— Gerald Thomas III, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
The first clarifies that its PLX product does not provide law enforcement agencies with geolocation data, and the second says that the company has reached out to the complaint's authors to ask that the complaint against Penlink be withdrawn.

— Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Skywatchers will not only see the moon change color, but also witness the sharp, curved edge of Earth’s shadow steadily advancing across — and later retreating from — the lunar surface.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
At a moment when Washington is retreating from its responsibilities, New York is stepping up for vulnerable immigrant children.

— Meena Shah, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

County Commissioner Alexandra Davis warned there is no guarantee services will be less expensive for cities if fire-rescue falls back under county control.

— Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
In 1979, Skylab did fall back to Earth, and a couple of pieces actually survived the trip (just not at Camp Firewood).

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of fall back

Verb

Defender Maxwell Woledzi scored two minutes into second-half stoppage time and MLS-leading Nashville SC pulled out a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night.

— CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of pull out

Verb

The investigators who haven’t already died are almost all retired, some of them awkwardly testifying via Zoom with technical difficulties from homes far away.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Cierria Davison took a leap of faith to start Over the Top after retiring early from Walmart during the pandemic.

— Leondra Head, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026