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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Recent Examples of hang back
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
The strategy that King decided on at the last minute was to hang back, lobbing softballs to create long volleys that would tire Riggs out.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
In episode six, Max and Holly find the memory that Henry has been hiding from, and while Max kind of ignores it, Holly hangs back and watches how Henry is affected by having killed that man.
—Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
While Judy tends to overdo it, Nick hangs back in his easygoing way and lets things fall into place.
—Katie Grant, Parents, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
The strategy that King decided on at the last minute was to hang back, lobbing softballs to create long volleys that would tire Riggs out.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
In episode six, Max and Holly find the memory that Henry has been hiding from, and while Max kind of ignores it, Holly hangs back and watches how Henry is affected by having killed that man.
—Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
While Judy tends to overdo it, Nick hangs back in his easygoing way and lets things fall into place.
—Katie Grant, Parents, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang back
Verb
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If a gatekeeper hesitates, breathe and restate your win.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Peers hesitate to challenge them.—
Marlo Lyons,
Harvard Business Review,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In Southern California, researchers are applying the approach to eelgrass, a type of seagrass, as traditional restoration methods falter.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
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The match was an Olympics of desperation as the Ducks broke their six-game freefall and San Jose faltered in a must-win position.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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