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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Recent Examples of fall back
Justin Haley moves up into P2 alongside Carson Hocevar as Denny Hamlin falls back on the restart.
—
Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
After receiving the lethal injection, Osgood's breathing became deep and his head fell back on the gurney at around 6:15 p.m., according to The Associated Press.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The 10-year yield stabilized somewhat on Monday, falling back below 4.4 percent.
—Joe Rennison, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Lamont noted the recent losses of trillions of dollars in the stock market, even after Trump’s 90-day pause on his tariffs generated a huge, one-day spike in stock prices before falling back and up again in some of the most volatile days in stock market history.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
After receiving the lethal injection, Osgood's breathing became deep and his head fell back on the gurney at around 6:15 p.m., according to The Associated Press.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The 10-year yield stabilized somewhat on Monday, falling back below 4.4 percent.
—Joe Rennison, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Lamont noted the recent losses of trillions of dollars in the stock market, even after Trump’s 90-day pause on his tariffs generated a huge, one-day spike in stock prices before falling back and up again in some of the most volatile days in stock market history.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
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The spacer might shut down, withdraw or become defensive, leaving the chaser feeling unheard and the spacer feeling emotionally ambushed.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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The Great Plains Theater Commons, in Omaha, Neb., got an email withdrawing a recommendation for a $35,000 grant for an annual play festival.—
Michael Paulson,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
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After the trial ended, in which Heard was originally ordered to pay Depp $15 million, the actress largely retreated from the public eye, moving away from her home in California to Spain with her daughter, Oonagh, in search of privacy.—
Jessica Sager,
People.com,
12 May 2025
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The Continental Army retreated from Montreal and its environs in June 1776, after British reinforcements from the north began recapturing the province.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
12 May 2025
Verb
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The child tax credit is currently $2,000 but will drop back to $1,000 at the end of this year if not extended.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
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Norris had a rough start, dropping back to sixth on the first lap after going wide while tussling for the lead with Verstappen.—
Yara Elshebiny,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
Verb
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But Alex Turcotte was reduced to part-time status and was pulled out of the lineup in favor of Trevor Lewis at a time when Turcotte’s younger legs could have been utilized.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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The two continued brawling down the block on Baychester Ave., where the victim pulled out a knife and the suspect opened fire, a police source said.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
Verb
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When is the best time to retire to get Social Security? When to retire and apply for Social Security is a personal decision based on many factors.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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These vehicles, when used strategically, allow children to retire as multi-millionaires.—
Chris Carosa,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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