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
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
Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hangs back
Verb
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If the alliance hesitates, Putin will see weakness and press harder.—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The actress hesitates for only a second before divulging the story.—
Galina Espinoza,
Flow Space,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Experts warn that if Team USA falters early, the money factor could quickly become a distraction, especially under the weight of the unapologetic crowd at New York.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
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But as a violent storm traps him in isolation, Drew’s body falters and his mind begins to unravel.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hangs back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hangs%20back. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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