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

Mahomes dropped back just four minutes into the Chiefs’ opener against the Broncos on Monday, looked to his left and never took his eyes off his favorite target, Travis Kelce, before firing in his direction. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

In all likelihood, one of the top three favorites will make this race tough enough early that Van Aert is forced to drop back. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart dropped back to pass and didn’t see anyone open on his initial reads before checking down to his running back, Devin Singletary, who was left wide open in the flat. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026

Goff dropped back to pass and was sacked by Chase Young, forcing what appeared to be a fumble that was scooped up for a defensive touchdown. — ABC News, 13 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