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
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After occupying Sinai, Britain and France succumbed to international pressure and withdrew their forces from Egypt in November.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025 -
In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics withdrew its guidance that said potential allergens should be avoided for high-risk babies, but didn’t have enough data to recommend introducing them early.—
Meg Tirrell,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In the time since, many have retreated; not just in fashion, but across industries.—
Bella Webb,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
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Lawrence, once an interview-show staple, has retreated from the spotlight in recent years, choosing her movie roles sparingly and closely guarding her private life.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Owens and her parents, KGO 810 radio legend Ronn Owens and former KCBS reporter Jan Black, moved to Arizona during the coronavirus pandemic, after Ronn Owens retired from KGO-810 after 46 years.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Christy officially retired from professional boxing in 2012.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In the third quarter, on Carolina’s third offensive sack, Dalton dropped back, got pressure, couldn’t escape and fumbled again.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Oct. 2025
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That was especially considering the Eagles dropped back-to-back games after winning their first four.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The 32-year-old allowed two more goals in the period before being pulled out of the game by Blues head coach Jim Montgomery for backup goalie Joel Hofer.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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Trump quickly pulled out of the Paris Climate Accords, the World Health Organization, and the UN Human Rights Council, underscoring his commitment to isolationism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fell back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fell%20back. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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