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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Gausman had retired 17 straight Dodger batters until the seventh inning, when Smith yet again got the best of him, hitting a solo home run to break the stale mate.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
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Panera eventually retired the item, though not immediately (a legal expert posited to CNN that doing so promptly would have read as an admission of guilt, and in turn spur reputational damage).—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Oct. 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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You guys pulled out all the stops.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
29 Oct. 2025
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Joel, Jaime and Zander Zank were going deer hunting together in southern Iowa when the semi-truck pulled out in their path.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Kansas City Star,
29 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2025.
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