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
According to Fox Weather, after a warm start to the week, temperatures in the Northeast will fall back to conditions more reminiscent of early spring, with highs in the 60s through the holiday weekend.
—
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 May 2026
But when the external advisor steps away, or when the system flags an unexpected result, decision-making falls back into old patterns.
—Tom Strohl, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
China entered the top tier of global markets in the late 2000s, while India surpassed Hong Kong in late 2023 before falling back below it.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 May 2026
While more experienced doctors might have the ability to fall back on years of clinical expertise, some worry that reliance on such a medical tool might lead to dependence and misplaced confidence among medical students and junior doctors.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 May 2026
But when the external advisor steps away, or when the system flags an unexpected result, decision-making falls back into old patterns.
—Tom Strohl, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
China entered the top tier of global markets in the late 2000s, while India surpassed Hong Kong in late 2023 before falling back below it.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 May 2026
While more experienced doctors might have the ability to fall back on years of clinical expertise, some worry that reliance on such a medical tool might lead to dependence and misplaced confidence among medical students and junior doctors.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
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This statute of limitations can effectively block student loan forgiveness for borrowers who seek Borrower Defense relief too long after withdrawing or graduating.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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García and Calvo have had a strained relationship since both attempted to run for office in the city, although García eventually withdrew from the race.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Just as people must eventually retreat from outdoor living spaces—whether a porch, lawn, or patio—and head indoors, so too must our things.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
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In an attempt to spark inspiration for a new Little Death origin story, Kris pays a visit to the present-day Billy, played by a regal, knowing Gillian Anderson, who retreated from public life after that first installment and whom Kris hopes to persuade to appear in her reboot.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Overnight temperatures will drop back down to the 50s for the metro area and the mid-40s for northern Minnesota.—
Lisa Meadows,
CBS News,
23 May 2026
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The descent comes by bicycle, dropping back through emerald rice terraces and village lanes as the island wakes up around you.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
23 May 2026
Verb
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But adding that little bit of friction for one week, by having to log in on a web browser rather than just pulling out a phone without thinking, puts us back in charge of deciding where our attention goes.—
Jonathan Haidt,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
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Ryan pulled out the gun and pointed it at MacMeekin, leading to a fierce struggle for the weapon, according to charging documents.—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Juan Pinillos, the current North Miami Beach Police chief, said the department could not answer specific questions – like why not all the boys were interviewed – because the lead detective in the case had retired, and so much time had passed.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
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After retiring from the LAPD in 1995, Fuhrman became a conservative commentator, true-crime author and television personality.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
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