DROPPED BACK Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

dropped back

verb

past tense of drop back

as in withdrew

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 dropped back 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 The Twins came into the series tied with Texas for the American League's third wild card but have dropped back into a traffic jam outside the final postseason berth. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 Tua Tagovailoa dropped back, looked left and fired down the left sideline to Drake London. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026 An underwhelming and nearly green-less teaser first dropped back in March to the enormous groans of Green Lantern faithful everywhere. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Patrick Mahomes took a snap Monday and dropped back before looking left. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 Haynes took the shotgun snap at the 10 and dropped back to the 14 before shooting up the middle, pump faking around the seven and diving into the end zone for the game-winning score. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 But Gunther dropped back down to the mat, forcing Aldis to tap out for the victory. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Matthew Stafford dropped back, faked a handoff, turned back around and went looking for Puka Nacua again. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dropped back

Verb

Fritz advanced to the final in 2024, but was defeated by Jannik Sinner (who just withdrew from the 2026 US Open with a knee injury) at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center.

— Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
In 2024, the DSA’s national political committee withdrew its conditional endorsement of her reelection, citing disagreements over Israel and Gaza, among other issues.

— Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of withdrew

Verb

Lake Washington is a 200-foot-deep trough carved by glaciers that retreated 16,000 years ago.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Galliano retreated from public life for two years and was found guilty by a Paris court of public insults based on religion, race and ethnicity.

— Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreated

Verb

And think about Afghanistan as well, a huge military advantage there, but as US forces were finally being pulled out of there, the Taliban were once again taking control.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
One recent morning, four county cars pulled out of that motel on Sierra Highway.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of pulled out

Verb

Anthony Gose, who was just recalled on the road trip, retired five consecutive batters.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
Following the Channel 4/HBO sketch comedy show Da Ali G Show (2000-’04) and the 2002 Universal movie Ali G Indahouse, Cohen temporarily retired the character in 2007.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026