HUNG BACK Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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 hung back 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 Uncle Jimmy hung back by the drippy windows at the rear of the kitchen nursing a Schlitz. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hung back

Verb

While its lawyers have not hesitated to send cease-and-desist letters to AI companies, Disney is among the big media companies looking for ways to get in the AI game and profit from its boom.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Teammates excitedly jumped off the bench, then hesitated when Thiero’s right knee appeared to buckle awkwardly under him.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitated

Verb

On top of all of that, the AI trade faltered this week amid growing concerns that some companies are issuing too much debt to build out their AI networks.

— Fred Imbert, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
This week a deal for Volta Infrastructure faltered as investors feeling full-up on data center debt demanded higher yields.

— Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of faltered

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hung (at)

hung back

hunger

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

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Synonyms of hung back

verb

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