as in withdrew
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fell back
Verb
-
Al-Sudani secured the most seats in November’s parliamentary elections but withdrew his candidacy this month.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026 -
The Doc actor withdrew his restraining order request in December.—
Sean Mandell,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index retreated nearly 2%, leading losses in the region.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
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Moments later, the agents released the man and retreated.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean insurance is off the table.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Social Security benefits — paid mostly to recipients who are older or retired — are typically paid on Wednesdays.—
Mike Snider,
Freep.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Facing third-and-goal with just under three minutes remaining, Purdy dropped back, went through his first two progressions, stepped forward in the pocket and finally found McCaffrey streaking into the end zone ahead of linebacker Nakobe Dean.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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But when Herbert dropped back to pass on the next play, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson strip-sacked him and fell on loose ball.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Maloney allegedly told Bocaya he had been harassed by police, then pulled out a knife with a 4-inch blade and repeatedly stabbed the off-duty officer in the neck and upper torso, prosecutors said.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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But as the Power Station were about to launch their tour later that year, Palmer surprisingly pulled out and was replaced by actor-singer Michael Des Barres, formerly of the band Detective.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fell back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fell%20back. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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