drop back

verb

dropped back; dropping back; drops back
Synonyms of drop backnext

intransitive verb

1
2
: to move straight back from the line of scrimmage
the quarterback drops back to pass

Examples of drop back in a Sentence

a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The price later dropped back down. Tiago Ventura, Time, 30 Apr. 2026 Newcastle’s players have had to drop back to defend Arsenal’s direct attack, so their players are now not as well-positioned to cause their opponents problems in the first line of their build-up. Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Temperatures will also drop back down to the 50s. Adam Del Rosso, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 If Brent crude oil futures drop back down to $65 to $70 per barrel, Conde said, prices at the pump could also lessen. Hali Smith april 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop back was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20back. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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