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

Today, governments are falling back on the same instinct—to join forces, but not all their forces. — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Once the clocks fall back in November, though, earlier darkness allows the theater to squeeze in as many as three. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

The two resulting black holes must also have enough energy and momentum to move apart instead of falling back together. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Apple's market value briefly surpassed Nvidia in July, before falling back below. — Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026