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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Some affirm its position; some hesitate to award it the stamp.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Oct. 2025
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With so many convenient destinations to choose from, there really is no reason to hesitate to put a Northern Lights trip on your calendar.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The industry also plans to mix hydrogen into its existing gas utility pipeline network, but those efforts have faltered amid local opposition.—
NPR,
NPR,
13 Oct. 2025
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There has been optimism at times with this Cowboys team powered by the top offense in the NFL, but the defense continues to falter at the worst moments at crucial points in close games.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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