FELL BACK Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

fell back

verb

past tense of fall back

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for fell back

Verb

After other State Department officials clarified that position, Dutch authorities withdrew the authorization while Machado’s aircraft was already in flight, forcing it to return.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Two Republicans, a Democrat and an independent candidate are running to fill the top seat on the Platte County Commission, which is currently held by Scott Fricker, who withdrew from the race a month after filing for reelection this spring.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Definition of withdrew

Verb

In the pandemic years, demographic experts say, under-35 adults retreated to parental homes to ride out quarantines and escape big-city crowds.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Disposable income has since retreated to the normal upward trendline, but no matter.

— Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of retreated

Verb

Social Security benefits — paid mostly to recipients who are older or retired — are typically scheduled to go out on Wednesdays.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of retired

Verb

The attorney general of Louisiana later pulled out of participation in the petition, Marijuana Moment reported in June.

— Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
The unidentified man is thought to have been sitting by the window when he was suddenly pulled out, head-first and up to his shoulders, according to Greek public broadcaster ERT.

— Chris Liakos, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Definition of pulled out

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

fell away

fell back

fell back on

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“Fell back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fell%20back. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fell back

verb

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