as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fall back
Without coaching and governance, teams fall back on old habits or work around the system altogether.
—
Tyler Christiansen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Troopers saw open bottles of alcohol in the Equinox and Tipantuna Quinchiguano, who would regain consciousness and quickly fall back to sleep, had bloodshot and glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
Visiting cargo spacecraft — historically Russia's Progress spacecraft — typically push the ISS higher from the Earth's orbit periodically, when the facility naturally falls back to the planet.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
The initial velocity an object would have to travel at to avoid falling back to the ground is called the escape velocity.
—Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Tyler Christiansen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Troopers saw open bottles of alcohol in the Equinox and Tipantuna Quinchiguano, who would regain consciousness and quickly fall back to sleep, had bloodshot and glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
Visiting cargo spacecraft — historically Russia's Progress spacecraft — typically push the ISS higher from the Earth's orbit periodically, when the facility naturally falls back to the planet.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
The initial velocity an object would have to travel at to avoid falling back to the ground is called the escape velocity.
—Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
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An alternative to leaving PJM entirely would be to withdraw from participating in the supply auctions to procure supplies for Maryland through bilateral contracts, possibly by teaming up with neighboring states, according to Charkoudian.—
Tyler Kendall,
Fortune,
22 Sep. 2025
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However, as part of that deal, Yellow would pay 100 percent if the company withdrew from the plans.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Mike Bailey delivered a superkick to Dax Harwood, and Kevin Knight hit Cash Wheeler with a dropkick, sending FTR and Stokely retreating and ending the chaotic confrontation.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
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When the sun sets, retreat to the hot tub.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Got her shoulder pulled out and finished the game with her leg being taken out and probably has a fracture.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
27 Sep. 2025
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Now is the time to inspect your heavy coats, pull out thicker bedding and space heaters from storage, and stock up on cozy blankets to get you through the cold weather.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ali retired from boxing undefeated with a perfect 24-0 professional record, including 21 knockouts, and remains a defining figure in women’s sports.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Canadian treasure, who played the Darth Vader–esque Dark Helmet in the original franchise, retired from acting in the ’90s after his wife died of cancer.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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