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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 As Dart dropped back to pass during the opening drive of Monday’s game, he was hit in the backfield by two converging Rams pass rushers. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 Then, on the very next series, Philo coolly dropped back on third-and-11 – with the crowd going bonkers – and fired a 20-yard TD strike to Dallas Wilson. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026 On 3rd and 5 from West Virginia’s own 38-yard-line, Hawkins dropped back under duress and chucked it up towards the left sideline. — Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026 Mahomes dropped back just four minutes into the Chiefs’ opener against the Broncos on Monday, looked to his left and never took his eyes off his favorite target, Travis Kelce, before firing in his direction. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drop back

Verb

Holtec Nuclear withdrew its IPO earlier this month citing adverse market sentiment in equity markets.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz,April Roach, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
According to the Intercept, artists Peter Doig, Joan Jonas, Katharina Grosse, and Tomás Saraceno were among the original signatories to withdraw their support after pressure from patrons.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Treasury yields retreated from a two-decade high as traders pared bets on further Fed tightening after last month's rate hike.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
The North Korean soldiers retreated after the South broadcast audio warnings and fired the shots and there were no clashes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

Witness told police that one of those men pulled out a gun and shot the other before fleeing the scene.

— Briauna Brown, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
To kick off the show, then, Madge had to pull out all of the stops—including a fabulous stage wardrobe, styled by her longtime collaborator Rita Melssen.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of pull out

Verb

Issa decided to retire after his congressional district was redrawn because of Proposition 50.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
More experienced tradespeople are retiring, while fewer young workers are entering fields such as welding, electrical work, plumbing, advanced manufacturing, and industrial maintenance.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026