as in withdrawn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
-
Israel had withdrawn its diplomats from Turkey over security concerns and deteriorating relations with Ankara shortly after the start of the war in Gaza, and officials said the consulate was closed at the time of the attack.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Eve was withdrawn from public school in 2022, according to a letter from her mother, Melanie Federline, sent to the Enfield School District and obtained by the Hartford Courant.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After a one-season stint in Italy, Cooper retired from playing and joined the Lakers as an assistant coach in 1994, kick-starting a long and successful coaching career.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
With a banking career spanning almost 30 years, Gentry retired as executive vice president of corporate planning and strategy.—
Chase Jordan
April 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Neither side has retreated from their maximalist claims, signaling that talks could be protracted.—
Nancy A. Youssef,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Dion had retreated from performing after revealing she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological and autoimmune disorder that affects mobility and vocal ability.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Daily use has dropped back down since the holiday frenzy, according to online news reports.—
John Ruwitch,
NPR,
30 Mar. 2026
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Ridden Saturday for the first time by jockey Flavien Prat, Commandment dropped back to last in the field of six midway through the 1 1/8-mile stakes, content to allow the others to contest the pace.—
Clark Spencer,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Following Pepsi’s lead, multiple other brands have since pulled out.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2026
-
As Guthrie became visibly emotional, weather anchor Al Roker pulled out his pocket square and gave it to her.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fallen back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallen%20back. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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