as in hesitates
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 hangs back
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hangs back
Verb
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The Broncos’ wide receivers had four drops in the first half, and BSU failed twice on fourth down when going for it, something Danielson seldom hesitates to do.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Nov. 2025
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In the final scene, Lee hesitates for a moment before letting Stella choose.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For instance, the show’s portrayal of larger-bodied characters falters, particularly given that body shame is one of its central critiques.—
Virgie Tovar,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Brown is likely a lock unless his usual consistency falters in the long program on Saturday.—
Lillian Karabaic,
NPR,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hangs back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hangs%20back. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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