as in withdrawal
an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
the pullback was necessary so that the commanders could reorganize their units and reassess the situation
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Recent Examples of pullback
Several economists told me that, in this environment, a sudden pullback in consumer spending could trigger a full-on recession.
—
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Declining electric vehicle sales caused US clean investment to experience its largest quarterly drop in nearly a decade, part of a larger pullback caused by the elimination of Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Rubio’s speech comes as US allies have increasingly grown concerned and questioned whether the country intends to abandon its partnership with Europe due to Trump’s threats of retaliatory tariffs, bid to take over Greenland and pullback of international aid.
—Zachary Cohen, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
Even with the 33% pullback for software’s equity value/sales multiple since October, the group is trading about 15% above the beginning of the cloud era.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pullback
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Declining electric vehicle sales caused US clean investment to experience its largest quarterly drop in nearly a decade, part of a larger pullback caused by the elimination of Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Rubio’s speech comes as US allies have increasingly grown concerned and questioned whether the country intends to abandon its partnership with Europe due to Trump’s threats of retaliatory tariffs, bid to take over Greenland and pullback of international aid.
—Zachary Cohen, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
Even with the 33% pullback for software’s equity value/sales multiple since October, the group is trading about 15% above the beginning of the cloud era.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pullback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pullback
Noun
-
The petition's withdrawal is good news for the many neighbors who spoke out against the annexation.—
Olivia Young,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Carolyn’s withdrawal into depression reminds him of his mother’s own.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Altogether, service is low‑key and functional rather than reverential—more practical help, less concierge fanfare—which actually fits the retreat’s stripped‑down, results-first vibe.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Owned by Kampgrounds of America (KOA), this glamping retreat ten minutes from the entrance to Acadia National Park has 64 secluded canvas-and-wood tents set among the trees.—
The Editors,
Outside,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pullback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pullback. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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