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.
When the Nissan dropped back, Mulligan signalled once more. Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 The warm weather will last through the week before dropping back into more seasonable highs in the 50s and 60s over the weekend. Kylee Miller, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026 Many of Joseph’s current defensive principles — disguising blitzers indistinguishably from players dropping back into coverage — are similar to what Cincinnati did a decade ago, under defensive coordinator Guenther. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026 In the event tanker traffic begins to flow again, West Texas Intermediate oil futures should drop back into the $80s, or possibly $70s, short term. Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 10 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 16 Apr. 2026.

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