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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That qualifies as a bold move in an era when legendary and up-and-coming artists alike often hesitate to perform even one or two songs from their latest albums — the better to avoid an exodus of attendees making a beeline for refreshments, restrooms or the merch booths.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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At the same time, what is happening right now should not undermine confidence in hospice care or cause patients and families in California and across the country to hesitate when considering it.—
Tom Koutsoumpas,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sheehan responded by turning in his best performance of the season, but the bullpen faltered in the Dodgers’ 6-4 loss to the red-hot Cubs, who won their 10th in a row.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
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And the pitching and defense had faltered in key situations.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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