as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
she hung back in offering her opinion about her daughter's career choices because it wasn't her business
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hang back
The girls join three other riders on a recon ride, where Ellie and Dina hang back and chat about the New Year’s Eve dance that night.
—
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 Apr. 2025
Davis won’t have Bam Adebayo tag-teaming with him defensively, allowing Davis to aggressively defend on the perimeter or hang back to protect the rim and clean the defensive glass, depending on the scenario.
—Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024
However, people with certain skin conditions should hang back.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2025
But the congestion around National Airport, one of the country’s busiest public airspaces, requires particular adeptness and a willingness to hang back if necessary to let passenger jets take off or land safely.
—Mark Walker, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 Apr. 2025
Davis won’t have Bam Adebayo tag-teaming with him defensively, allowing Davis to aggressively defend on the perimeter or hang back to protect the rim and clean the defensive glass, depending on the scenario.
—Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024
However, people with certain skin conditions should hang back.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2025
But the congestion around National Airport, one of the country’s busiest public airspaces, requires particular adeptness and a willingness to hang back if necessary to let passenger jets take off or land safely.
—Mark Walker, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang back
Verb
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Seize Market Share When Competitors Retreat Expand globally when trends align and others hesitate.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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If the emotional impact of hair loss feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for support.—
Health,
Health,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Here are a few more takeaways from Monday’s game: Michael Wacha falters late Wacha had trouble navigating the Mariners’ lineup.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2025
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When corporate processes eclipse the culture, ventures almost inevitably falter.—
Jennifer J. Fondrevay,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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