hang back

verb

Definition of hang backnext
as in to hesitate
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hang back 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 Almost every player decided to hang back to get some extra work. — Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 Facing those headwinds, presidents typically hang back and let candidates run their own races in their own districts. — Tamara Keith, NPR, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hang back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang back
  1. hesitate
  2. falter
Verb
  • Much of the film plays out in close-up as Alex watches, plays, thinks, hesitates.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • But the clearest lesson from Iowa is that states that engage early and set smart terms come out ahead, while those that hesitate watch the investment head elsewhere.
    — Jeff Danielson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of hesitate
Verb
  • Current Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has faced intense scrutiny as the state’s insurance market has faltered and has pushed through a series of changes in recent years to try and stabilize it.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of falter

Browse Nearby Words

hang (at)
hang back
hangdog
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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