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
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes dropped back to throw on 4th-and-short, but the Texans covered his primary target out of the backfield.
—
Sam McDowell 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
The cryptocurrency rose above $96,000 late last week but has dropped back to around $89,700.
—Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Facing third-and-goal with just under three minutes remaining, Purdy dropped back, went through his first two progressions, stepped forward in the pocket and finally found McCaffrey streaking into the end zone ahead of linebacker Nakobe Dean.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
But when Herbert dropped back to pass on the next play, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson strip-sacked him and fell on loose ball.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
But when Herbert dropped back to pass on the next play, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson strip-sacked him and fell on loose ball.
—Dallas Morning News, 11 Jan. 2026
Orange quarterback Rickie Collins dropped back and threw a deep pass intended for receiver Darius Johnson.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier dropped back to pass only to find Rodriguez in coverage.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
In the third quarter, on Carolina’s third offensive sack, Dalton dropped back, got pressure, couldn’t escape and fumbled again.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
Sam McDowell 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
The cryptocurrency rose above $96,000 late last week but has dropped back to around $89,700.
—Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Facing third-and-goal with just under three minutes remaining, Purdy dropped back, went through his first two progressions, stepped forward in the pocket and finally found McCaffrey streaking into the end zone ahead of linebacker Nakobe Dean.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
But when Herbert dropped back to pass on the next play, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson strip-sacked him and fell on loose ball.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
But when Herbert dropped back to pass on the next play, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson strip-sacked him and fell on loose ball.
—Dallas Morning News, 11 Jan. 2026
Orange quarterback Rickie Collins dropped back and threw a deep pass intended for receiver Darius Johnson.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier dropped back to pass only to find Rodriguez in coverage.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
In the third quarter, on Carolina’s third offensive sack, Dalton dropped back, got pressure, couldn’t escape and fumbled again.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dropped back
Verb
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Al-Sudani secured the most seats in November’s parliamentary elections but withdrew his candidacy this month.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The Doc actor withdrew his restraining order request in December.—
Sean Mandell,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index retreated nearly 2%, leading losses in the region.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Moments later, the agents released the man and retreated.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Maloney allegedly told Bocaya he had been harassed by police, then pulled out a knife with a 4-inch blade and repeatedly stabbed the off-duty officer in the neck and upper torso, prosecutors said.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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But as the Power Station were about to launch their tour later that year, Palmer surprisingly pulled out and was replaced by actor-singer Michael Des Barres, formerly of the band Detective.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean insurance is off the table.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Social Security benefits — paid mostly to recipients who are older or retired — are typically paid on Wednesdays.—
Mike Snider,
Freep.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The other officers have all backed away at this point.—
Yahya Abou-Ghazala,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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According to police, officers repeatedly told the man to drop the knife, and backed away while continuing to tell him to drop the knife.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dropped back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dropped%20back. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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