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
With the entire circumference surrounded by a sea of humanity, Bishnoi hung back, her hands clasped in front of her mouth, while Rai went and lofted the Wanamaker Trophy above his head.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
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
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hung back
Verb
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Keep in mind, Andy, Woody’s first and beloved owner, wanted to keep Woody with him, even in college, and hesitated for a moment before giving him up to Bonnie in Toy Story 3.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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Instead, both hesitated, their feet tangled and a charging Healy banged in the loose ball.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2026
Verb
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When Johnson faltered, Clark had plenty of breathing room — and a quick turnaround.—
Doug Ferguson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Still up seven games in the NL East, the Braves (46-27) are in an offensive funk over the past week, and the team’s good starting pitching has faltered some.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hung back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hung%20back. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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