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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 fall back
Following the most intense stages of falling back from orbit, communications are typically reestablished during a ship's last stretch to landing.
—
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 June 2025
Rory McIlroy came roaring close to the top, then fell back.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025
With a 3-over 73 on his 29th birthday, the triple-bogey on No. 1 being his first since the 2024 BMW Championship, Scheffler fell back to the cluster at 7-under.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025
Ever since that buzzy vodka cocktail fell back into favor in 2021—and flew onto cocktail menus around the world—java is popping up all over menus in classic and unexpected ways.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 June 2025
Rory McIlroy came roaring close to the top, then fell back.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025
With a 3-over 73 on his 29th birthday, the triple-bogey on No. 1 being his first since the 2024 BMW Championship, Scheffler fell back to the cluster at 7-under.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025
Ever since that buzzy vodka cocktail fell back into favor in 2021—and flew onto cocktail menus around the world—java is popping up all over menus in classic and unexpected ways.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
-
Topline Half of the roughly 4,000 National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles last month amid immigration raid protests will be withdrawn, the Trump administration announced Tuesday, calling off the soldiers weeks after California Gov. Gavin Newsom unsuccessfully tried to block their deployment.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Stanley said crews were initially able to fight the fire near a chlorine leak at a water treatment facility, but eventually had to withdraw due to safety concerns for pilots who could breathe toxic fumes.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
And in this story, Superman retreats from the world after being rejected by the public for adhering to an older moral code.—
Ari Daniel,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 July 2025
-
The nonsectarian center hosts retreats that range from 3 to 13 nights, for a wide variety of experience levels, with a central focus on Theravadin teachings and bodhicitta (striving to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
With this removal, the number of Google apps supported on watchOS drops back to three: Calendar, Maps, and YouTube Music.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
1 July 2025
-
But Oklahoma City’s shooting, which has been mediocre in this series, will have to improve in a high-pressure situation to make the Pacers pay for dropping back into the gaps.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
However, Giles was forced to pull out of the fight due to an injury suffered during his weight cut.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
But when Morejón was named a replacement for Zack Wheeler, who pulled out in order to rest during the All-Star break, that is the one that tickled the Padres the most.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The same's true for someone who is retired and taking taxable withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
-
Merle sold his barbershop the same day and retired.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share