FALL BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

fall back

verb

Definition of fall back

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

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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 fall back And after falling back slightly this week, bond yields are on the rise again. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Bond yields offered some slack on Tuesday after falling back from their highest levels in years or even decades. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Crude oil prices have recently fallen back into the $90-per-barrel range as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have increased, AAA said. — Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026 When this happens, leaders fall back on observation and instinct. — Dr. Jay R. Harrison, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back

Verb

The Republican governor did not provide a reason for withdrawing Thompson’s death warrant but had temporarily stayed his execution last month pending a psychiatric evaluation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
According to online court records, two of the three cases were settled and one was withdrawn.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Meanwhile, conservative activists spread rumors last week that Talarico was struggling with his mental health and had secretly retreated to an Ohio hospital.

— Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
While Chelsea tend to retreat after taking the lead, their opponents also become more aggressive in response, committing extra bodies forward and helping to create more open, end-to-end encounters.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

The Lucca Comics chief speaks to Variety about pulling out all the stops to celebrate the crossover between different forms of geek culture, in particular between movies and video games.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
The biggest names in movies, music, fashion and beyond pulled out their sartorial best for the annual fundraiser that celebrates cinematic achievement and raises money for the museum.

— Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of pull out

Verb

Nasser Barghouti, who is slightly leading Khan in large-dollar donations to American Priorities, simply stated that he is retired and residing in Dallas.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
Speaking of bouncing back, the Saints have been looking for stability after legendary coach Jennie Kull retired following the 2022 season.

— Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of retire

Browse Nearby Words

fall away

fall back

fall back on

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“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fall back

verb

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