as in hesitated
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 hung back
Those of us not actually knocking hung back in the stairwell; even so, some residents were hesitant to engage.
—
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
While others in our pack hung back, discussing everything from real estate prices to the effects of social media on teenagers (Really?
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Most bystanders hung back, but Pittenger’s sister took action.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
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
Afterward, while players sat at a long table under one of the baskets, providing autographs for fans, Farokhmanesh hung back.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Seeing the body language of his double-play partner, second baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa hung back as well.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
While others in our pack hung back, discussing everything from real estate prices to the effects of social media on teenagers (Really?
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Most bystanders hung back, but Pittenger’s sister took action.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
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
Afterward, while players sat at a long table under one of the baskets, providing autographs for fans, Farokhmanesh hung back.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Seeing the body language of his double-play partner, second baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa hung back as well.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hung back
Verb
-
Dean Kim, master baker and founder of OC Baking Company, said that Schwarz was the kind of chef who never hesitated to show up for others.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
9 Apr. 2026
-
After a dramatic Easter weekend for the war in Iran—downed American fighter jets, a daring rescue behind enemy lines, and strikes on universities and petrochemical plants—traders hesitated at Monday’s opening bell.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Their arrival comes after the team’s bullpen faltered twice in the late innings over the weekend in Cincinnati’s series sweep.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The Red Sox ace faltered early by allowing a couple of doubles, but from there the left-hander settled down and seemed to find his groove.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hung back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hung%20back. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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