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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fall back
These two teams have been Super Bowl contenders for years thanks to MVP-winning quarterbacks, though both have fallen back a bit (especially Baltimore).
—
Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
When does 2026 daylight saving time spring forward start, DST fall back end?
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
The Boilermakers ended a three-game skid and have plenty of high-end victories to fall back on.
—Patrick Stevens, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
Over the past year, McDonnell has fallen back on the message that the LAPD has a long-standing policy of not getting involved in civil immigration enforcement.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
When does 2026 daylight saving time spring forward start, DST fall back end?
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
The Boilermakers ended a three-game skid and have plenty of high-end victories to fall back on.
—Patrick Stevens, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
Over the past year, McDonnell has fallen back on the message that the LAPD has a long-standing policy of not getting involved in civil immigration enforcement.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
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However, that petition was later withdrawn in 2025, the complaint said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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China has invested little in Russia’s economy, and nowhere near the amount that the West withdrew after Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.—
Alan Cullison,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Illinois lawmakers recently flirted with a tax on unrealized gains—think of stocks yet to be sold at fluctuating prices that only exist on paper—before retreating.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
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Jackson was disinvited from the Grammy Awards telecast the following week and largely retreated from the public spotlight, while Timberlake’s career continued uninterrupted.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Avoiding the drop back to the Championship was the job he was appointed to do.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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On third down, Maye dropped back to pass, felt pressure and scrambled up the middle for 16 yards.—
February 9,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At the time, analysts had attributed Baumgertner's arrest to retaliation for Uralkali's decision to pull out of a joint venture.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
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Similarly, in Oklahoma City, the private owners of a warehouse that was set to be purchased by ICE pulled out of a deal following outcry at city council meetings and protests downtown.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Doug and Big Jane eventually retired down in San Antonio, close to their boys.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
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La Shelle Dozier, SHRA’s longest serving executive director, retired in October.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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