drop back

verb

dropped back; dropping back; drops back

intransitive verb

1

: retreat

2

: to move straight back from the line of scrimmage

the quarterback drops back to pass

Synonyms of drop back

• withdraw
• retreat
• fall back
• pull out
• retire

Examples of drop back in a Sentence

a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back

Recent Examples on the Web

As Goff dropped back to pass, Detroit tight end Sam LaPorta gave Umanmielen a hard chip block. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

Zabransky dropped back 4 yards with plenty of time and protection. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026

Facing a third-and-7, Sayin dropped back to pass and was surrounded by Illinois defensive linemen. — Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Then Underwood dropped back, stepped up, rolled right and threw a long touchdown pass to Buchanan for a 19-14 lead. — Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for drop back

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback