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
McNeill dropped back and scrambled for a few seconds before finding Kash Kelly in the end zone for a touchdown.
—
Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
With space, Alejado dropped back and quickly spotted another wide-open target, Nick Cenacle.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Vargas played forward when attacking, dropped back when defending.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Wentz dropped back, planted his back foot and uncorked a missile.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
After hitting his glove, the ball hit the top of the fence, and then dropped back into Frelick's glove.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Tyquan Thornton dropped back to fourth on the depth chart with Xavier Worthy’s return, but Thornton still led Kansas City in receiving yards (90) and should continue to have a role in the offense moving forward.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
Applications to refinance a home loan, which rose sharply in mid-September and then dropped back again two weeks ago, fell further last week, down 8%.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Nix dropped back to pass and was immediately pressured by the Eagles’ defense.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
With space, Alejado dropped back and quickly spotted another wide-open target, Nick Cenacle.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Vargas played forward when attacking, dropped back when defending.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Wentz dropped back, planted his back foot and uncorked a missile.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
After hitting his glove, the ball hit the top of the fence, and then dropped back into Frelick's glove.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Tyquan Thornton dropped back to fourth on the depth chart with Xavier Worthy’s return, but Thornton still led Kansas City in receiving yards (90) and should continue to have a role in the offense moving forward.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
Applications to refinance a home loan, which rose sharply in mid-September and then dropped back again two weeks ago, fell further last week, down 8%.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Nix dropped back to pass and was immediately pressured by the Eagles’ defense.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dropped back
Verb
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The fighting between the two countries in recent weeks marks the deadliest escalation since the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, and could signal a new period of instability for the once-friendly neighbors.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
19 Oct. 2025
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Afghanistan withdrew from a Twenty20 international tri-series in Pakistan following the deaths of three local cricketers, which the Afghanistan Cricket Board attributed to military strikes in Paktika province.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lady Annabel wore her privilege lightly, and in later years retreated to her home in Richmond, just outside London, enjoying her children, grandchildren and dogs away from the spotlight.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Following the release of his 1996 solo project Euphoria, Vincent retreated from public life.—
Jacqueline Weiss,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The 18-year-old broke free, fled on foot and allegedly pulled out a semi-automatic hand gun, which Bettison said was recovered by police.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
22 Oct. 2025
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Earlier this year, the mayor's office pulled out of advocacy for modernizing the state's energy standards after months of meetings and engagement on the issue, The Courier Journal previously reported based on email records and interviews.—
Connor Giffin,
Louisville Courier Journal,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Veteran journalist Deborah Norville — who retired from Inside Edition in May after serving as the anchor of the news magazine for 30 years — will also be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
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The legendary Nick Saban retired from coaching following the conclusion of the 2023 season, handing the keys to the Alabama Crimson Tide program to Kalen DeBoer after leading the team to six national championships during his tenure.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Spotify has long backed away from wanting to fully own and operate its own shows, finding more value in serving as a tech, monetization, and distribution platform for podcasters.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
17 Oct. 2025
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McIlroy backed away, drawing jeers, before Lowry came over to settle him.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dropped back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dropped%20back. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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