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
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
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Some foreign financial institutions could be more willing to do business with Iran, though many will probably hesitate unless the US Treasury issues specific licenses for particular transactions.
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The Duke wing unexpectedly fell out of the first round and into the Timberwolves’ lap at the start of Round 2 on Wednesday, and Minnesota didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
Verb
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Brazobán faltered, however, allowing a walk and two hits, the last of which being a two-out RBI single by Trae Turner that put the Phillies up, 2-1.
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Can Andy Burnham make the tough choices to succeed where others have faltered?
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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