as in withdrawn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
While Monday’s state average had fallen back slightly, AAA stated there are no signs of price rises slowing, with a 22-cent climb since last week.
—
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
In early trading Monday morning, both indexes had fallen back slightly.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
For instance, the aluminum could have exploded out of the supernova, while the iron — coming from deeper in the star’s core — could have fallen back into the dead star.
—James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 2 Mar. 2026
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
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
In early trading Monday morning, both indexes had fallen back slightly.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
For instance, the aluminum could have exploded out of the supernova, while the iron — coming from deeper in the star’s core — could have fallen back into the dead star.
—James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 2 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fallen back
Verb
-
In total, 231 petitions were denied, 232 were withdrawn, two were administratively closed and 740 were abandoned.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Isaacman, a billionaire and two-time astronaut who paid for and commanded his own SpaceX missions, was officially named administrator late in 2025 following a lengthy process in which his nomination was put forward, withdrawn and then put forward again.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The leadoff man could have been retired, but Lindor didn’t charge on a ground ball by Teoscar Hernandez, allowing the outfielder enough time to beat the throw at first base.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Pete Alonso hit an RBI double before Smith retired the final two batters with runners at second and third for his fourth save.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The result of days of negotiations Thursday’s proceedings came to a standstill as lawmakers retreated behind closed doors and Johnson reached for an agreement to resolve the standoff.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Baker retreated up another flight up stairs and called out to Rivera, who was on the floor below his perch.—
Sam Charles,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When the Nissan dropped back, Mulligan signalled once more.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Daily use has dropped back down since the holiday frenzy, according to online news reports.—
John Ruwitch,
NPR,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When a reporter asked Simmons if the White House was a good tipper, the president reached into his pocket, pulled out a $100 bill and handed it to her.—
Nicholas Kerr,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
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Number one, across the world, governments have pulled out of managing the economy, managing companies, and let the private sector do the job.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fallen back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallen%20back. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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