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
International organizations warn of the risk of falling back into famine if conditions worsen.
—
Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
Heading into the final Eras Tour show, the docuseries takes fans back to Swift’s trailer speech about pieces falling back into place.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Dec. 2025
But every narrative arc — from Charlie’s simmering loneliness to Alani’s relationship with her parents, to Maya’s temptation to fall back into the orbit of her old boss (Colin Woodell) and Tallulah’s anxiety about taking the next step into fame — was designed to culminate in New York.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2025
Still a risk of famine While Gaza’s classification has changed, the IPC warned that the risk of the enclave falling back into famine remains.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
Heading into the final Eras Tour show, the docuseries takes fans back to Swift’s trailer speech about pieces falling back into place.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Dec. 2025
But every narrative arc — from Charlie’s simmering loneliness to Alani’s relationship with her parents, to Maya’s temptation to fall back into the orbit of her old boss (Colin Woodell) and Tallulah’s anxiety about taking the next step into fame — was designed to culminate in New York.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2025
Still a risk of famine While Gaza’s classification has changed, the IPC warned that the risk of the enclave falling back into famine remains.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
-
Former North Crowley standout Ka’Morreun Pimpton also withdrew his name from the portal Sunday.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) withdrew its troops last week following a deadline from Saudi Arabia.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As climate change causes sea ice to retreat and the melting zone to expand, these microbes are expected to add more nitrogen to the ocean.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Although Ukraine for now is still maintaining a defense, the fall of Pokrovsk would be one of the most serious defeats Ukraine has suffered since March, when its troops were forced to retreat from Russia's Kursk region.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Orange quarterback Rickie Collins dropped back and threw a deep pass intended for receiver Darius Johnson.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
-
And Bosa appeared to have had a path to Mahomes, only to stop his charge and drop back into coverage instead.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Stolarz, the Maple Leafs starter, had just been pulled out of the game for poor performance for the first time as a Leaf.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Japan pulled out following its invasion of China, leaving the Dutch East Indies to take the sole Asian berth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Raimondo Orsi had already gone back to Argentina to look after his sick mother, and Luis Monti had retired.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Alex Morgan speaks during the ceremony to retire her Number 13 jersey following NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share