Synonyms of fall back

fall back

verb

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

• withdraw
• retreat
• drop back
• pull out
• retire
• back away
• give way
• lose ground
• recede
• flee
• give ground
• evacuate
• fly
• climb down
• leave
• pull away
• shrink
• flinch
• chicken (out)
• back down
• recoil
• go
• bow out
• detach
• depart
• abandon
• disengage
• vacate
• disentangle
• quit
• backtrack
• backpedal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• face
• breast
• dare
• confront
• beard
• defy
• brave
• outbrave
• brazen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fall back

DeChambeau, 32, does have some good recent Open memories to fall back on. — Justin Ray, New York Times, 18 July 2026

To all these worries, add the bullpen, which has fallen back to earth after its club-record 38-inning scoreless streak. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Work told her to log on anyway Getting rid of any interventions that require a parent’s presence in order for the baby to fall back asleep – including rocking, singing and bouncing — is a good trick. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 16 July 2026

However, the system isn’t perfect, and if a match is not found, TSA agents are taught to fall back on the older process of a standard manual ID check. — Emily Cappiello, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026