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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
This Barbie Dream Camper set started at $65, increased to $99.99 weeks before Walmart Deals week, and fell back to $65 during the sale.
—
Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 13 July 2025
Time will fall back one hour from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m., granting an extra hour of sleep.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The capsule then began falling back to Earth and the passengers returned to their seats for the descent to touchdown.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 29 June 2025
The high is forecasted to fall back down to the low 80s.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 13 July 2025
Time will fall back one hour from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m., granting an extra hour of sleep.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The capsule then began falling back to Earth and the passengers returned to their seats for the descent to touchdown.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 29 June 2025
The high is forecasted to fall back down to the low 80s.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back
Verb
-
Stanley said crews were initially able to fight the fire near a chlorine leak at a water treatment facility, but eventually had to withdraw due to safety concerns for pilots who could breathe toxic fumes.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
-
Topline Half of the roughly 4,000 National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles last month amid immigration raid protests will be withdrawn, the Trump administration announced Tuesday, calling off the soldiers weeks after California Gov. Gavin Newsom unsuccessfully tried to block their deployment.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Mortensen retreated back into her room and locked the door, immediately texting her housemates.—
Time,
Time,
23 July 2025
-
There have been several boycotts by consumers angry that the retailer has retreated from its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
The weather service predicts high temperatures will drop back into the 80s by Tuesday and Wednesday.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
19 July 2025
-
By July 18, rain chances in Phoenix drop back down to around 15 to 30%.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
But when Morejón was named a replacement for Zack Wheeler, who pulled out in order to rest during the All-Star break, that is the one that tickled the Padres the most.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
-
However, Giles was forced to pull out of the fight due to an injury suffered during his weight cut.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The same's true for someone who is retired and taking taxable withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
-
Merle sold his barbershop the same day and retired.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share