DROPPED BACK Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

dropped back

verb

past tense of drop back

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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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 dropped back Matthew Stafford dropped back, faked a handoff, turned back around and went looking for Puka Nacua again. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 30 July 2026 But that number dropped back to single digits earlier this month after the war restarted. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 July 2026 The inconsistent Sparks have dropped back-to-back games since firing GM Raegan Pebley. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 No one has dropped back more over the last two years than Nix. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 July 2026 Advocaat threw his arms in the air, dropped back into his seat, and wept again. — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Wilson told the outlet that Junie knows her way home, adding that the cat could be dropped back off at the family's property. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 The price later dropped back down. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 30 Apr. 2026 When the Nissan dropped back, Mulligan signalled once more. — Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dropped back

Verb

In April of this year, global energy company AES withdrew plans to build a large battery storage facility in Eden Valley after residents loudly opposed the project, due to potential fire risk.

— Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026
The United States formally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in May 2018, several months after Tahbaz’s arrest.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of withdrew

Verb

Exxon shares retreated about 2% in premarket trading on Friday as it’s adjusted per-share profit narrowly missed forecasts.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Out of possession, Benfica looked to man-mark higher up the pitch but retreated into their customary 4-2-3-1 shape as teams got forward, with the wingers moving infield as seen below.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of retreated

Verb

During the dispute, one of the men pulled out a gun and fired between five and 10 shots before fleeing the store, according to police.

— Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Real Madrid, the last club standing in the effort, formally pulled out this past February.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of pulled out

Verb

Despite overcoming early battery recalls to post record sales figures, GM retired the hatchback to retool its factory for electric trucks and sunset its aging battery platform.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026
His diagnoses ultimately affected his ability to play music, and Phil retired ahead of his rock band Genesis’ final tour in 2022.

— Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026