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
-
But at the last second, Pages pulled up to let Tucker make the catch, and Tucker hesitated before flailing after it.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
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Pasco County schools Superintendent John Legg said his team has hesitated to dive too deeply into the amendment’s implications, knowing that the Legislature — particularly the House — has yet to weigh in.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
Verb
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The Broncos faltered in the snow, the Nuggets floundered on the hardwood, and now the Avalanche fail on ice.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
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That faith in his ability and focus had faltered at times over the course of this tempestuous and trying campaign, but it has been restored at the last.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hung back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hung%20back. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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