PULL AWAY Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

pull away

verb

Definition of pull away

as in to detach

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pull away Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded with unusual restraint to Trump’s provocations and has resisted demands to pull away from Washington. — C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 Bake in preheated oven until the top is dry and firm, and the bread is beginning to pull away from the edges of the pan (a wooden pick inserted in the center will not come out clean), about 1 hour, 20 minutes. — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026 During a third-quarter timeout with Indiana leading 81-75, Cloud began shouting toward Freedom at courtside and Freedom responded, prompting security to escort the former NBA center from the arena as the Fever went on to pull away for a 113-90 win. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 More specifically, Raridon is winning more decisively at the top of his routes and creating enough separation to pull away, which helps immensely as a long strider who can win short but primarily threatens defenses at the intermediate level. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pull away

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pull away

Verb

Should a major storm threaten, Optimal Transit says Kraaken could detach from its mooring within hours, move away under its own propulsion, and return to reconnect once conditions improve.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
We’re particularly drawn to the removable bolster pillow, which supplies ample neck support for sprawling out but can also be detached for a cleaner appearance.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of detach

Verb

Talented operators, the kind of people who joined precisely because they were trusted to act, begin to disengage.

— Abdulrahman Hammad, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Pilot declared an emergency once autopilot disengaged The pilot and six passengers were aboard a 2010 Pilatus PC-12 Next Generation aircraft that day when the plane crashed about 12 miles northeast of Recluse, Wyoming, near Gillette.

— Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of disengage

Verb

Lyle’s status has been in limbo since he was arrested in mid-August on a warrant stemming from charges for aggressively fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer and reckless driving in mid-July.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2026
Many Muslim Americans hid or fled; between 2002 and 2003, thirteen thousand faced deportation proceedings.

— Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of flee

Verb

His remarks escalated a confrontation over New York’s efforts to disentangle local police from federal immigration enforcement.

— María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Financial intermediaries and criminal fraud enterprises are coming into closer proximity, which is making their activities harder to disentangle and disrupt.

— Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of disentangle

Verb

Hybrid work increased slightly while fully remote work shrank slightly; average remote hours slipped only from 27 to 26 hours over the measured period.

— Gleb Tsipursky, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026
Bernhardt and his team are working on their own research to determine how much the planet has shrunk, but said orbital data alone might not answer the question.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of shrink

Verb

According to the Office for National Statistics, 79% of adults in Great Britain reported in April an increase in their cost of living, despite a climb down in inflation to a current level of 3%.

— Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 July 2026
One officer moved Nikolau over so her soon-to-be husband, Beerkus, could climb down.

— Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Definition of climb down

Browse Nearby Words

pull a face

pull away

pullback

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“Pull away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pull%20away. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pull away

verb

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