pullback

noun

pull·​back ˈpu̇l-ˌbak 

: a pulling back

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

Synonyms of pullback

• 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

Even disappointing results will likely be astonishing, meaning a pullback is unlikely to be severe. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Monday’s pullback in oil prices helped lower the pressure coming from the bond market. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

The head of the world’s best performing sovereign wealth fund warned of an impending pullback in US stocks. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pullback

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