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
But the bigger picture for Iran’s oil revenue is darkening as other potential buyers hang back.
—
Ian Bremmer, Time, 14 Sep. 2025
Asia hangs back from fetch, left; and right, Kiki gives her space to chase the ball at her own pace.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Hochul hung back for a few more questions from reporters and pictures with other officials.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 1 Aug. 2025
New Justices tend to hang back; Jackson, now in her third term, spoke up from the start.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Ian Bremmer, Time, 14 Sep. 2025
Asia hangs back from fetch, left; and right, Kiki gives her space to chase the ball at her own pace.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Hochul hung back for a few more questions from reporters and pictures with other officials.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 1 Aug. 2025
New Justices tend to hang back; Jackson, now in her third term, spoke up from the start.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang back
Verb
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But Maye doesn’t hesitate to break the pocket and scramble towards daylight when things break down.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Many people like the idea of innovation but hesitate to share the road with fully autonomous vehicles.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Rayo began 2023-24 well under Iraola’s successor Francisco Rodriguez but then started to falter.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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The Rams did not falter and an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown for Jameson Bongiolatti cut the deficit to 21-7.—
Brian Roach,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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