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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fell back
  1. withdrew
  2. retreated
  3. retired
  4. dropped back
  5. pulled out
Verb
  • China declared a unilateral ceasefire on November 21 and withdrew from the eastern sector behind the McMahon Line while retaining about 14,700 square miles (38,000 square km) of territory in Aksai Chin.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
  • In July, after the planning commission recommended against rezoning, the developer withdrew its request days before the village board vote.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of withdrew
Verb
  • Since her stage days, Cassie has retreated out of the spotlight.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
  • Trump, too, recently talked about — and then retreated from — plans to charge tolls for safe passage.
    — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
Definition of retreated
Verb
  • Now retired, the couple enjoys constant global travel, utilizing both commercial and private aviation.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Schreiber retired Tigers outfielder James Outman to end the inning.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Definition of retired
Verb
  • The inconsistent Sparks have dropped back-to-back games since firing GM Raegan Pebley.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • No one has dropped back more over the last two years than Nix.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 July 2026
Definition of dropped back
Verb
  • Passengers pulled out their phones to record the surprise solo.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • When it was threatened by a winter freeze, Rowlings pulled out all the stops.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fell back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fell%20back. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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