PULLBACK Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

pullback

noun

ˈpu̇l-ˌbak

Definition of pullback

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

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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 Despite its slowest total sales growth in six years amid a pullback in consumer spending, Walmart’s online business has remained a bright spot for the Bentonville behemoth in part due to the strong delivery network. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 Thomas Babor, a professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine who studies alcohol and alcohol addiction, told Time Magazine that lighter drinkers appear to be leading the pullback. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 Paramount didn’t immediately comment on the LULAC letter, but previously has touted the merger as a way to build a stronger competitor amid a pullback in local production. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Despite the recent pullback, mortgage rates have been mostly rising this year, limiting homebuyers’ purchasing power. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pullback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pullback

Noun

The succession of scandals sparked an open discussion in the country about her suitability to the role of Queen, with some experts even laying out possible options for her withdrawal from royal duties.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Other possible complications include liver disease, allergic reactions, low blood pressure, and, when abruptly discontinued, withdrawal symptoms.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of withdrawal

Noun

There is a lot riding on Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech here Friday morning at the Fed’s storied annual retreat in the Tetons.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
Warsh, despite his arrival as a disruptor of Fed protocol, embraced that summer-retreat spirit.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreat

Browse Nearby Words

pull away

pullback

pullbacks

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“Pullback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pullback. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pullback

noun

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