FALLING BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

falling back

verb

present participle of fall back

as in retreating

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall 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 falling back The risk of debris falling back to Earth and harming someone or something is slim but not zero. — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 The action was stronger in the oil market, where the price for a barrel of Brent crude briefly jumped above $90 in the morning before falling back below $87. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 The youngest brother of Daniel, William and Alec Baldwin characterized at least part of his falling back from Hollywood as a way to free himself from industry expectations. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 Elder looked like a Cy Young candidate alongside Sale early on before falling back to Earth. — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Some of that material condensed into tiny droplets called spherules, which spread around the planet before falling back through Earth's atmosphere at several miles per second. — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Fowler surged into the lead — briefly — at 11 under before falling back to the pack. — CBS News, 31 July 2026 That was his life for more than a decade — sometimes in work or a relationship but always falling back to addiction. — Kyung Lah, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 Now, the murder rate is falling back in line with other crime trends, many of which are also among the lowest ever recorded. — James Tuttle, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for falling back

Verb

Achord is in the huddle every play before retreating to the sideline.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Skywatchers will not only see the moon change color, but also witness the sharp, curved edge of Earth’s shadow steadily advancing across — and later retreating from — the lunar surface.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreating

Verb

During this period, Obayuwana allegedly tried to cash at least three Treasury tax refund checks worth $382,109 and was successful in cashing one, withdrawing $229,109, federal authorities allege.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Mementum is trying to run from that fight by withdrawing its letter.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of withdrawing

Verb

Just as Alcaraz took the long view with his wrist injury, pulling out of tournaments early and ramping up his comeback slowly, for Sinner, there is no reward in risk.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Some winemakers are reacting by pulling out vineyards, changing their grape varieties, moving further north or introducing irrigation systems.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of pulling out

Verb

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, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
The loss snapped Miami’s seven-game unbeaten streak in league play and was the team’s third loss in a row after dropping back-to-back games in the Leagues Cup tournament.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of dropping back

Verb

The mission will arrive at the moons in 2027, spend two years mapping Phobos and selecting a landing site for sampling before backing away to observe Deimos.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Instead of literally backing away, in this example, the person metaphorically backs away by completing the session and exiting as expected without further conflict.

— Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of backing away

Verb

The sellers, who are retiring, bought the retail space from The Arlington’s original developers back in 2007, Walker said.

— Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
After retiring the first batter, Palencia, in a scary moment, hit the Diamondbacks’ Jordan Lawlar in the head with his pitch.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of retiring

Browse Nearby Words

falling away

falling back

falling back on

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“Falling back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falling%20back. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of falling back

verb

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