as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back
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Recent Examples of fall back
At least three old satellites or rocket bodies fall back to Earth every day, a new report reveals.
—
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Justin Rose made a birdie at the 16th hole minutes later, while McIlroy bogeyed 14 to fall back into second place.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
He’s fallen back into 14th place after restarting this stage in P2.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
During his two-minute tribute, Dr. Robby — who’s suffering from acute existential exhaustion on top of the day’s extra-fine grind — falls back on a handful of cliches.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Justin Rose made a birdie at the 16th hole minutes later, while McIlroy bogeyed 14 to fall back into second place.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
He’s fallen back into 14th place after restarting this stage in P2.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
During his two-minute tribute, Dr. Robby — who’s suffering from acute existential exhaustion on top of the day’s extra-fine grind — falls back on a handful of cliches.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
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Rather than a gradual strengthening of local capacity as a way of reimagining how the global development industry operates, the Trump administration’s proposals simply withdraw federal support.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Receiver Ny Carr, who entered the transfer portal a week ago, has withdrawn and is returning to Miami, 247 Sports reported.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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April 2025 The Hermit: April invites you to retreat inward, Gemini.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
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When the volume of disruption outpaces clarity, managers retreat into operational survival mode and teams follow.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Fans would prefer to watch quarterbacks drop back and launch deep passes.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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This post was originally published on March 29 Bitcoin and crypto prices have dropped back as inflation fears and U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariff threats continue to weigh on the bitcoin price (as well as fresh fears over a new, mystery hack).—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Game 2 was another close affair, with the Clippers pulling out a 105-102 victory.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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This jury was dealt a blow yesterday when its President, Walking Dead star Norman Reedus, pulled out at the last minute due to work commitments, but Hugh said this has had little impact as the group only just started working.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Waltz retired from the National Guard last fall at the rank of colonel.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Final Few Boxes include last-chance style that the brand is retiring.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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