pullback

noun

pull·​back ˈpu̇l-ˌbak 

: a pulling back

especially : an orderly withdrawal of troops from a position or area

Synonyms

• withdrawal
• retreat

Examples of pullback in a Sentence

a pullback in consumer spending

the pullback was necessary so that the commanders could reorganize their units and reassess the situation

Recent Examples on the Web

The verdict is still out as to whether September’s pullback in cattle futures is a temporary pause in an ongoing climb higher or the first sign of lasting relief in a costly beef cycle. —Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

Already a $7 billion business last year, Sallie Mae projects private-loan originations could increase by up to about 70% as a direct result from the federal pullback. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

In addition to a high-uncertainty environment (driven in part by an unpredictable trade policy, sharp reductions in immigration, and a steep pullback in federal spending), the rise of AI and other technological advances are factoring in to businesses’ hiring plans. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025

There’s been concern among shoe and sneaker brands over a potential pullback on footwear spend over the holiday due to higher prices because of tariffs. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pullback

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