HANGS BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

hangs back

verb

present tense third-person singular of hang back

as in hesitates

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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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 hangs back Gengras hangs back, letting his synths thicken the air rather than leaping boldly to the front. — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026 As the other performers migrate from the performance space to the control room to hear the recording, Sehgal hangs back. — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 8 Apr. 2026 In episode six, Max and Holly find the memory that Henry has been hiding from, and while Max kind of ignores it, Holly hangs back and watches how Henry is affected by having killed that man. — Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026 While Judy tends to overdo it, Nick hangs back in his easygoing way and lets things fall into place. — Katie Grant, Parents, 25 Nov. 2025 Asia hangs back from fetch, left; and right, Kiki gives her space to chase the ball at her own pace. — Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hangs back

Verb

If an employee hesitates or overcommits, avoid making assumptions or asking defensive questions.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Your vehicle hesitates when shifting gears A short pause or delay between pressing the gas and your car responding is an early sign of transmission trouble.

— Michael Kurko, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of hesitates

Verb

American military resources are stretched and political pressure in Washington is mounting, while Iran’s economy falters.

— David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
This leadership vacuum raises serious questions about the agencies' ability to craft meaningful crypto rules, especially if the Senate's Clarity Act vote falters.

— Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of falters

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hangs (at)

hangs back

hangs fire

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“Hangs back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hangs%20back. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hangs back

verb

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