DROP BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

drop back

verb

Definition of drop back

as in to withdraw

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop 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 drop back Temps drop back into the low-mid 60s for highs by the end of the week. — September 27, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026 In 2025, however, this figure dropped back to about 12 percent, near its average of 12 percent since 2010. — Andrew McAfee, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026 As Dart dropped back to pass during the opening drive of Monday’s game, he was hit in the backfield by two converging Rams pass rushers. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 On 3rd and 5 from West Virginia’s own 38-yard-line, Hawkins dropped back under duress and chucked it up towards the left sideline. — Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drop back

Verb

For the second straight year, Stephen King was the author most likely to have his work withdrawn.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Instead, Netflix released a statement shortly after withdrawing their bid.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Without Carmella there as a potential wild card, the ladies arrive in Tokyo and are forced to retreat to their familiar shticks.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Kramatorsk has long served as a strategic rear point for the Ukrainian units serving along the eastern front – and as a place to which exhausted troops could retreat for a few days of rest before their next mission.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

The concerns caused investors in certain types of funds to pull out their money at record rates — sometimes requesting nearly 40% of a single fund in a quarter, but most funds have capped at 5%.

— Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Then, Canton allegedly pulled out a Glock 9mm handgun and shot Jones twice.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of pull out

Verb

That’s a notable turn from just a few years ago, when Fortune reported that boomers remained fixated on retiring in Florida even as rising costs priced many of their peers out.

— Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
King retired four of his first five batters before walking William Contreras and Brice Turang.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026