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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fell back
Verb
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While Microsoft is moving forward with some facilities, the company withdrew plans for a data center in Caledonia, Wisconsin, amid loud opposition to its efforts there.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
13 Jan. 2026 -
The committee ultimately withdrew its subpoena.—
Stephen Groves,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The victim retreated into the gym, and the suspect left the scene, according to police.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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No longer a complete unknown wrapped in the Bob Dylan mystique, Chalamet has energized a balky awards circuit whose stars and filmmakers years ago had retreated from the rigors of self-promotion, with some still preferring to avoid it.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That included a streak of 26 batters retired over nine games from April 19 to May 10.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Jan. 2026
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Denman retired in 2025 after calling races since the 1980s at Santa Anita, Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Fairplex Park.—
Kevin Modesti,
Oc Register,
16 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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The suspect started to run away, then pulled out a gun and fired at the homeowner before continuing to flee, police said.—
Laura Fay,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Pullouts feature an actual mattress that’s, well, pulled out from the sofa in some way.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
8 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 21 Jan. 2026.
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