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Synonyms
Examples of hang back in a Sentence
even though the young mother wanted the job, she still hung back because she wasn't sure if she should spend time away from her family
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite all New York’s skill and speed, Florida didn’t hang back on defense, but instead attacked the Rangers near the blue line, keeping New York from ever even being able to set up on offense.
—David Wilson, Miami Herald, 2 June 2024
In other words, there are no winners, no losers, no awards, and many participants will hang back with the slowest person.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024
Well, not all of them, because in a devastating move, Paige chose to hang back in the States rather than return to Russia with her parents.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 May 2024
Demonstrations that snarled Golden Gate Bridge, I-880 spur questions about tougher penalties
Police arrest dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia
The Jewish students from Tikvah: Students for Israel and Students Supporting Israel hung back and largely kept to themselves during the event.
—Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024
On Valentine’s Day, Bortolami — who’s regarded as one of the league’s most formidable players — hung back to let a handful of original members steer the evening.
—Julia Halperin, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024
James shared a big hug with Natalia Bryant, 19, and also hugged Bianka Bella, 6, while Capri, 3, hung back shyly behind Natalia.
—Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2023
In a shock ending, Lopez asks one member to hang back — not Affleck.
—Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 12 Feb. 2024
Kushner has been relegated to a behind-the-scenes role now after his father-in-law reportedly asked him to hang back.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 2 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hang back.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near hang back
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20back. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
hang back
verb1
: to linger behind others
hung back to wait for the slower children
2
: to be unwilling to do something : hesitate
always hangs back when everyone else is dancing
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