Synonyms of hung back

hung back

verb

past tense of hang back

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitated
• faltered
• scrupled
• waited
• debated
• staggered
• vacillated
• balanced
• halted
• dithered
• wavered
• paused
• backed down
• shilly-shallied
• wobbled
• teetered
• swayed
• lingered
• delayed
• chickened (out)
• hemmed
• pondered
• procrastinated
• hawed
• dawdled
• deliberated
• weighed
• pussyfooted
• considered
• waffled
• equivocated
• oscillated
• hedged
• dallied

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• plunged (in)
• decided
• dived (in)
• continued
• stirred
• advanced
• budged

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hung back

Jane thanked the man profusely, but Maurice hung back through the whole exchange. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

The two smaller bucks came down along the edge of the field and joined them, but Mossy Horns hung back in the timber. — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

David hung back, letting Cody be the one to approach the woman sitting at the front desk, crowded out by a floral arrangement. — Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026

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

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