HANG BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

hang back

verb

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 Those of us not actually knocking hung back in the stairwell; even so, some residents were hesitant to engage. —

Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026 While others in our pack hung back, discussing everything from real estate prices to the effects of social media on teenagers (Really? —

Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 Most bystanders hung back, but Pittenger’s sister took action. —

Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 Felicia Coleman hung back in the throng of family members gathered in front of the microphones, wiping away tears. —

Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hang back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang back

Verb

But at the last second, Pages pulled up to let Tucker make the catch, and Tucker hesitated before flailing after it.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
While their rivals started spending significant sums of money as soon as the 2024-25 season finished, Spurs wasted a couple of weeks hesitating about the long-term future of then head coach Ange Postecoglou before replacing him with Thomas Frank.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 29 May 2026