as in withdrew
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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Recent Examples of dropped back
Facing third and goal, Wells dropped back and decided to tuck the ball, dodging two defenders on his way to a seven-yard touchdown run.
—
Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
In the third quarter, Bryce Young dropped back and under pressure lobbed the ball about 35 yards in McMillan’s general direction.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
On a third-and-10, Herbert dropped back and had a clean pocket.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
On fourth-and-goal, Sagapolutele dropped back, looking, looking, before throwing to tight end Landon Morris in the back of the end zone.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Wilson, the defending champion in the Orange County Championships and third-place finisher in the CIF SS Division II State championships, dropped back to eighth after the second mile.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025
However, Tagovailoa dropped back to pass and looked for Jaylen Waddle when linebacker Terrel Bernard stepped in front of the pass and picked him off.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Denver’s late fourth-quarter play-call was the most obvious head-scratcher of any decision against the Titans, as Nix dropped back and fired off an incomplete go-ball to Marvin Mims on a fourth-and-eight with a minute left.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
Tagovailoa’s third turnover occurred on Miami’s first drive of the second half when a short pass over the middle of the field was intercepted by Colts defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, who dropped back into coverage on Miami’s offense while a three Colts rushers came after Tagovailoa.
—Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
In the third quarter, Bryce Young dropped back and under pressure lobbed the ball about 35 yards in McMillan’s general direction.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
On a third-and-10, Herbert dropped back and had a clean pocket.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
On fourth-and-goal, Sagapolutele dropped back, looking, looking, before throwing to tight end Landon Morris in the back of the end zone.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Wilson, the defending champion in the Orange County Championships and third-place finisher in the CIF SS Division II State championships, dropped back to eighth after the second mile.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025
However, Tagovailoa dropped back to pass and looked for Jaylen Waddle when linebacker Terrel Bernard stepped in front of the pass and picked him off.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Denver’s late fourth-quarter play-call was the most obvious head-scratcher of any decision against the Titans, as Nix dropped back and fired off an incomplete go-ball to Marvin Mims on a fourth-and-eight with a minute left.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
Tagovailoa’s third turnover occurred on Miami’s first drive of the second half when a short pass over the middle of the field was intercepted by Colts defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, who dropped back into coverage on Miami’s offense while a three Colts rushers came after Tagovailoa.
—Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dropped back
Verb
-
On the men’s side, Jakub Menšík, also Czech, lasted just five games before retiring against Australia’s Alex de Minaur, while Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti withdrew down 3-0 in the third set against young American Learner Tien.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The administration of President Joe Biden withdrew that rule proposal in 2021.—
Jesse Coburn,
ProPublica,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In the clip, the puppy dashed toward his new little friend; at first the Chihuahua retreated, stuck his tongue out and paw up, and then bounded toward him.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Instead of developing arguments or persuading people, both sides have retreated to their silos and erected their own media echo chambers.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Utah Senator Mike Lee was scheduled to attend, but pulled out due to the government shutdown.—
Alex J. Rouhandeh,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The swimmer, who was accompanied by a crew, was pulled out of the water and attended to on their boat before authorities arrived, per KTLA.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Martinez retired from coaching at Oakmont last year and is in his final year as a physical education teacher.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Stengel, who had no children, retired to and died in California and made his name in New York and around the nation.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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McIlroy backed away, drawing jeers, before Lowry came over to settle him.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Benson, however, remained hesitant and eventually fully backed away.—
Alex Ross,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dropped back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dropped%20back. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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