as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fall back
Davis punched him once; Flores fell back and hit his head.
—
Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
The first tree fell back there and hit the tree here, which hit another tree, and so there's a domino effect.
—David Chiu, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
His rating then fell back down to 45% in December 2017 — during the first year of Trump’s administration.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
By the numbers: Prices paid for steel and aluminum could rise as much as 20% in the months after tariffs are implemented, before falling back some, according to research firm Pantheon Macroeconomics.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
The first tree fell back there and hit the tree here, which hit another tree, and so there's a domino effect.
—David Chiu, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
His rating then fell back down to 45% in December 2017 — during the first year of Trump’s administration.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
By the numbers: Prices paid for steel and aluminum could rise as much as 20% in the months after tariffs are implemented, before falling back some, according to research firm Pantheon Macroeconomics.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
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This is evident in the agency's recent decision under current leadership to withdraw several high-profile lawsuits alleging violations of consumer financial laws against Early Warning Services, the operator of Zelle, and major banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.—
Lenwood V. Long, Sr.,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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At the event, Mills publicly refused to comply with Trump’s executive order against trans youth in school sports, which threatens to withdraw federal funding from states that maintain inclusive policies.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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From rollbacks on reproductive rights in the U.S. to the dismantling of environmental protections and the amplification of xenophobia, governments are retreating from their responsibilities to protect vulnerable communities and future generations.—
Paul Klein,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Crypto stocks — Stocks linked to the price of bitcoin fell after the cryptocurrency retreated around 3% to hover around the $80,000 level.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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At times, James also looked confused as to whether to push ahead or drop back and protect his defence, which contributed to Villa’s midfield dictating proceedings.—
Simon Johnson,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
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Daniels dropped back to pass and lasered the ball to Zach Ertz, his trusty tight end, whose second touchdown of the night was the game-winner.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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He’s also been New York’s savior during a turbulent period since Jan. 1, pulling out late-game heroics several times over the last few weeks to help the Knicks stay slotted in the No. 3 spot in the East.—
James L. Edwards III,
The Athletic,
8 Mar. 2025
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Park rangers, firefighters, scientists – all of these people, whose purpose is to serve everyday Americans, have had the rug pulled out from under them.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Its presiding judge, David Hagerman, retired earlier this year.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Mar. 2025
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The Kansas City Chiefs' tight end has signed on for another season with the NFL team, choosing not to retire after the team’s Super Bowl 2025 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.—
Rachel McRady,
People.com,
5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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