drop back

verb

dropped back; dropping back; drops back
Synonyms of drop backnext

intransitive verb

1
: retreat
2
: to move straight back from the line of scrimmage
the quarterback drops back to pass

Synonyms of drop back

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Examples of drop back in a Sentence

a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
By the weekend, temperatures were expected to drop back into the 80s. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Despite dropping back in the final kilometers, overall leader Tadej Pogačar limited his time losses by driving the main chase group across the line. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Taylor dropped back three steps and arced a jump ball into the corner over Barron and into the mitts of Sheppard, who appeared to scrape both toes along the turf before the Broncos’ stopper shoved him out of bounds. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Aug. 2026 Szoboszlai has much better access to Yoane Wissa in the space that opens up as Gravenberch pushes forward and Wirtz drops back to cover (no doubt after a half-time reminder about the importance of covering the space). — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop back was in 1927

Rhymes for drop back

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Browse Nearby Words

drop a stitch
drop back
drop ball
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Cite this Entry

“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20back. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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