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
At least three old satellites or rocket bodies fall back to Earth every day, a new report reveals.
—
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Justin Rose made a birdie at the 16th hole minutes later, while McIlroy bogeyed 14 to fall back into second place.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
He’s fallen back into 14th place after restarting this stage in P2.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
During his two-minute tribute, Dr. Robby — who’s suffering from acute existential exhaustion on top of the day’s extra-fine grind — falls back on a handful of cliches.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Justin Rose made a birdie at the 16th hole minutes later, while McIlroy bogeyed 14 to fall back into second place.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
He’s fallen back into 14th place after restarting this stage in P2.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
During his two-minute tribute, Dr. Robby — who’s suffering from acute existential exhaustion on top of the day’s extra-fine grind — falls back on a handful of cliches.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 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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Labour withdrew its support for Ali and later suspended him from the party.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
Verb
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April 2025 The Hermit: April invites you to retreat inward, Gemini.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
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When the volume of disruption outpaces clarity, managers retreat into operational survival mode and teams follow.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Fans would prefer to watch quarterbacks drop back and launch deep passes.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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This post was originally published on March 29 Bitcoin and crypto prices have dropped back as inflation fears and U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariff threats continue to weigh on the bitcoin price (as well as fresh fears over a new, mystery hack).—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 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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Waltz retired from the National Guard last fall at the rank of colonel.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Final Few Boxes include last-chance style that the brand is retiring.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
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