as in withdrawn
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 fallen back
These two teams have been Super Bowl contenders for years thanks to MVP-winning quarterbacks, though both have fallen back a bit (especially Baltimore).
—
Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Over the past year, McDonnell has fallen back on the message that the LAPD has a long-standing policy of not getting involved in civil immigration enforcement.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
One thing Grande isn’t showing signs of slowing down on in the near future is acting, having fallen back in love with the artform through her time on the Wicked set.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2026
Giovanna had fallen back asleep.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
The city’s vacancy rate has fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, and new housing construction is at its weakest pace in a decade, the report added.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
By July, sentiment had recovered, and stock market volatility (the VIX) had fallen back well below the 5-year and 10-year averages.
—George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
But as the 21-year-old surges, another Red Sox outfielder has fallen back into a brutal slump.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Over the past year, McDonnell has fallen back on the message that the LAPD has a long-standing policy of not getting involved in civil immigration enforcement.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
One thing Grande isn’t showing signs of slowing down on in the near future is acting, having fallen back in love with the artform through her time on the Wicked set.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2026
Giovanna had fallen back asleep.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
The city’s vacancy rate has fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, and new housing construction is at its weakest pace in a decade, the report added.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
By July, sentiment had recovered, and stock market volatility (the VIX) had fallen back well below the 5-year and 10-year averages.
—George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
But as the 21-year-old surges, another Red Sox outfielder has fallen back into a brutal slump.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fallen back
Verb
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If Kelesis is not approved or his nomination is withdrawn, Chattah can keep serving for 210 days, Lee argued.—
JESSICA HILL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
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Any amount withdrawn, including RMDs, from an inherited, traditional IRA is taxed as ordinary income.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Although we are retired, our lives revolve around her needs.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
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But Liu, who retired from the sport and then came back on her own terms, doesn’t care about a win.—
Alex Connor,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Its stock fell nearly 6%, while shares of other asset managers, such as Blackstone and Apollo Global Management, retreated as well.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2026
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The freeskiers, placed on the back end of the Olympic schedule, retreated to Laax, Switzerland, for a week of training.—
Eddie Pells,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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On third down, Maye dropped back to pass, felt pressure and scrambled up the middle for 16 yards.—
February 9,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Late in the third quarter, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye dropped back to pass, looking for answers.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At which time someone in a Manhattan athletics department office pulled out their magnifying class and Tang’s contract, finding a way to get rid of the coach and not pay him.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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The administration has quietly pulled out National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, The Washington Post reported.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fallen back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallen%20back. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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