as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
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 drop back
The Bengals have expressed a need to add a combination linebacker/edge player who can drop back on early downs and bring the edge rush in pass situations.
—
Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
When the Nissan dropped back, Mulligan signalled once more.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Many of Joseph’s current defensive principles — disguising blitzers indistinguishably from players dropping back into coverage — are similar to what Cincinnati did a decade ago, under defensive coordinator Guenther.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026
In the event tanker traffic begins to flow again, West Texas Intermediate oil futures should drop back into the $80s, or possibly $70s, short term.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drop back
Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
When the Nissan dropped back, Mulligan signalled once more.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Many of Joseph’s current defensive principles — disguising blitzers indistinguishably from players dropping back into coverage — are similar to what Cincinnati did a decade ago, under defensive coordinator Guenther.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026
In the event tanker traffic begins to flow again, West Texas Intermediate oil futures should drop back into the $80s, or possibly $70s, short term.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drop back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drop back
Verb
-
In September 2025, the City Council voted to explore whether Los Angeles could withdraw all legally allowable homelessness funding from LAHSA and instead contract with the county’s new homelessness department.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The many attending assistants around her eventually disperse — a little hesitantly because Sam is in the middle of preparing a new show — and the two withdraw to Sam’s cavernous studio.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Coe reportedly was hospitalized several years ago with Covid-19 and had mostly retreated from public appearances since then, though it is not known whether Covid played a part in his passing.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Or, retreat to peaceful Bluffside Gardens with ultramodern cabins that offer direct trail access.—
Sarah Miller,
Midwest Living,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That Dalglish’s vast contribution in Liverpool’s domination of English football over the previous decade would have helped him in sticky spots is a reminder that Slot has little to fall back on.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
If the resolution is unfavorable to the community groups — who are also backed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg — that frustration will fall back on somebody, Bokhari said.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Police said firefighters pulled out a man who had burns on his body.—
Elyssa Kaufman,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Delta and United Airlines pulled out in 2017 amid a political crisis that forced millions to flee the country.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Mary Brown retired after coaching boys and girls volleyball in the district for 19 years, including the past eight years with the Knights’ boys team.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
But, after the couple retired and migrated south to Mexico City, Hurst dove back into photography with gusto, until his death, from cancer, in 2023.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drop%20back. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
