DROPPING BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

dropping back

verb

present participle of drop back

as in withdrawing

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 dropping back The Crimson Tide are 5-2 for the season, dropping back-to-back games against Georgia and Tennessee. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Seattle accomplishes this by masterfully disguising defensive assignments before the snap, which can force Mahomes to diagnose where to go with the football only after dropping back. — Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Most of the week looks dry and seasonable around Philadelphia, with highs dropping back into the 60s on Wednesday. — Grant Gilmore, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Dyerville Loop Road begins along the Eel River in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, then rises into the foothills of Humboldt County, California before dropping back down to the river near Fort Seward. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Despite dropping back in the final kilometers, overall leader Tadej Pogačar limited his time losses by driving the main chase group across the line. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 The loss snapped Miami’s seven-game unbeaten streak in league play and was the team’s third loss in a row after dropping back-to-back games in the Leagues Cup tournament. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026 But first, dropping back from a low zone along the right sideline, Pettus snared a deep pass intended for Mack Hollins amid a crowd of players. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 Downs is everywhere As expected, rookie defensive back Caleb Downs has been moved all over the field, mostly playing nickel cornerback but also dropping back to play deep safety. — Jon MacHota, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dropping back

Verb

The city would also be prohibited from withdrawing more than 50% of the amount of money in the fund unless the mayor certifies that there is a compelling fiscal need.

— Digital Producer, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Uganda is withdrawing troops deployed for years in Somalia under an African Union peacekeeping force that helped repel militants in the Horn of Africa nation, military authorities said on Monday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of withdrawing

Verb

Temperatures could reach near 70 degrees Monday before falling back to the mid-60s Tuesday through Thursday.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Earlier this year, NASA worked with Katalyst Space Technologies on a $30 million mission that aimed to boost the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is also falling back to Earth due to orbital drag.

— Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of falling back

Verb

The abrupt development came on the heels of BC Partners pulling out of its arrangement to invest $300 million into the LIV Golf League after a simple head count made clear not enough of the circuit’s top golfers planned to return in 2027.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
National groups from both parties began pulling out of the race earlier this month, signaling that both now view the contest as less competitive than previously thought.

— Josephine Murphy, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of pulling out

Verb

The young alligator was also taken off guard, and is seen backing away in search of an exit.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
The mission will arrive at the moons in 2027, spend two years mapping Phobos and selecting a landing site for sampling before backing away to observe Deimos.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026