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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of fall back
Not now, after such a promising early run, then falling back in the field, then muscling his way back onto the lead lap and into contention.
—
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025
The Dow Jones Transportation Average is headed for a losing week and has fallen back below its pre-April 2 Liberation Day levels.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 22 May 2025
But in the fifth set, when everything was on the line, Paul mixed in just enough slices and sharp angles, while Khachanov fell back to his flat, grunting power, which has its limits in these parts.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 June 2025
The spacecraft fell back to Earth in an uncontrolled tumble over the Indian Ocean.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025
The Dow Jones Transportation Average is headed for a losing week and has fallen back below its pre-April 2 Liberation Day levels.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 22 May 2025
But in the fifth set, when everything was on the line, Paul mixed in just enough slices and sharp angles, while Khachanov fell back to his flat, grunting power, which has its limits in these parts.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 June 2025
The spacecraft fell back to Earth in an uncontrolled tumble over the Indian Ocean.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
-
The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has urged Tehran to allow the agency to inspect the sites, but Iran is yet to agree, and has threatened to withdraw cooperation with the watchdog.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
24 June 2025
-
Israel is under pressure from its own to withdraw from Gaza over humanitarian concerns.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
The rally came as oil prices retreated from recent highs amid reports that Iran seeks to de-escalate tensions with Israel.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
While Shell has retreated from some of its low-carbon ventures, the company remains committed to EVs and has more than 75,000 charge points across the world.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
The child tax credit is currently $2,000 but will drop back to $1,000 at the end of this year if not extended.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
17 June 2025
-
Messi dropped back as a deep-lying playmaker in the second half and was more effective, splitting the Colombia backline with precise passing.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
Verb
-
The House of Representatives has passed legislation which its supporters say aims to stop U.S. funds from ending up in the hands of the Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan after the U.S. pulled out of the country in 2021.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
-
Ominously, Iranian officials are already publicly hinting at pulling out of a key treaty – the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or NPT – designed to monitor and prevent the global spread of nuclear weapons.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
When Stanley was hired in 1999, the city provided health-insurance subsidies up to age 65 for firefighters who retired after 25 years of service or who retired because of disabilities, according to court documents.—
Jim Saunders,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2025
-
Gary retired from acting in 1979 — except for briefly reprising the role of Ellen in the 1987 film Jaws: The Revenge.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share