DROP BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

drop back

verb

Definition of drop back

as in to withdraw

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back

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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 drop back Seattle accomplishes this by masterfully disguising defensive assignments before the snap, which can force Mahomes to diagnose where to go with the football only after dropping back. — Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Most of the week looks dry and seasonable around Philadelphia, with highs dropping back into the 60s on Wednesday. — Grant Gilmore, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Dyerville Loop Road begins along the Eel River in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, then rises into the foothills of Humboldt County, California before dropping back down to the river near Fort Seward. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 The Falcons remains winless at home this season and has now dropped back-to-back games for the second time this year. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drop back

Verb

Customers could not withdraw or transfer money Tuesday, though most are protected by deposit insurance.

— EMILIO SANABRIA, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
The last time the Legislature withdrew from the rainy day fund was in 2008.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Drunk on pollen and nectar, the bees retreat to their hives for the night, carefully and methodically, as if driven by a higher intelligence, an anonymous architect, or pure chance.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated more than 1,800 points, or more than 3%, and the broad market S&P 500 pulled back more than 4%.

— Sean Conlon,Gina Francolla,Christopher Hayes,Nick Wells, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

Temperatures could reach near 70 degrees Monday before falling back to the mid-60s Tuesday through Thursday.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Temperatures will fall back toward seasonal averages, with highs generally in the 60s and cool morning lows in the 40s.

— CBS News, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of fall back

Verb

The Chiefs appeared to have pulled out a thrilling victory Sunday in Denver.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Two men wearing ski masks entered the club, which was hosting a costume party, and at least one of them pulled out a gun and fired into the crowd on the dance floor, CNN affiliate WAPT reported.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of pull out

Verb

Kathleen Wilder in 1980, who retired as a lieutenant colonel, according to the Army Times.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Davis announced plans to retire in July 2025, setting off a frenzied dash of more than a dozen candidates to represent one of America’s bluest congressional districts.

— Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026