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 Facing a third-and-7, Sayin dropped back to pass and was surrounded by Illinois defensive linemen. — Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Then Underwood dropped back, stepped up, rolled right and threw a long touchdown pass to Buchanan for a 19-14 lead. — Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026 With 1,884 yards, 18 touchdowns and only one interception while completing 75% of his passes this season, Orange High’s junior quarterback has rarely faltered when dropping back. — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026 Local favorite Tom Vaillant, a two-time winner on the smaller Alps Tour but still looking for his first European tour title, started the day second but dropped back to finish joint-third along with three other players after a final-day 70. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drop back

Verb

On Monday, Chinese manufacturer Kepuni Holdings withdrew plans for a Nasdaq listing that had been expected to raise $15 million.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
In these situations, withdrawing into a literal or symbolic dark room—avoiding sources of stress and going to a safe place—can be adaptive in the short term.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Meanwhile, conservative activists spread rumors last week that Talarico was struggling with his mental health and had secretly retreated to an Ohio hospital.

— Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
While Chelsea tend to retreat after taking the lead, their opponents also become more aggressive in response, committing extra bodies forward and helping to create more open, end-to-end encounters.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

But now that the war has entered its eighth month, with no end in sight and gas prices surging again, consumers don’t have that cushion to fall back on.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
When that information gets exposed, the burden of watching for fraud suddenly falls back on us.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of fall back

Verb

The Lucca Comics chief speaks to Variety about pulling out all the stops to celebrate the crossover between different forms of geek culture, in particular between movies and video games.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
The biggest names in movies, music, fashion and beyond pulled out their sartorial best for the annual fundraiser that celebrates cinematic achievement and raises money for the museum.

— Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of pull out

Verb

Nasser Barghouti, who is slightly leading Khan in large-dollar donations to American Priorities, simply stated that he is retired and residing in Dallas.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
Speaking of bouncing back, the Saints have been looking for stability after legendary coach Jennie Kull retired following the 2022 season.

— Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026