Definition of pullbacknext
as in withdrawal
an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable the pullback was necessary so that the commanders could reorganize their units and reassess the situation

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 pullback The surface-level numbers actually understate the pullback, according to Datavations. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026 The pullback in expectations for an October rate hike helped calm what’s been a rattled bond market. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 Hill said that in the near term, North America will feel the biggest impact of this pullback on retro styles from Jordan Brand. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026 Stanford professor David Larcker, an author of the report, attributes the pullback to the public growing tired of politics seeping into every facet of American life. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pullback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pullback
Noun
  • With more widespread use, however, a rare, life-threatening side effect known as agranulocytosis (a severe reduction in white blood cells) emerged, prompting clozapine’s withdrawal from the market.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026
  • To some, the attack fulfilled long-term right-wing warnings that Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza would yield disaster; and the attack was incontrovertible proof that Palestinians will never live in peace with Israel.
    — Dahlia Scheindlin, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Other interior amenities include a 24-seat movie theater, and a primary retreat with dedicated massage and salon rooms, while the grounds boast multiple terraces and a large pool.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • His party’s retreat comes after a series of embarrassing election showings in which the far-right AfD made huge inroads.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pullback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pullback. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!