as in withdrew
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fell back
Verb
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In 2000, the UNIFIL established a de-facto area along the southern Lebanese border with Israel, after Israeli forces withdrew following their second invasion.—
Alayna Treene,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026 -
An earlier court petition was dismissed in 2015 after the ex-wife withdrew it.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But precisely as its students triumphed, Achievement First retreated from its founding commitments.—
Steven F. Wilson,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
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The price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, retreated on the news, falling to around $104 a barrel.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Vaughn Sharp hit an RBI double in the third for the Mustangs but Sharp was left stranded on third when Blaine retired the next two batters.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
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She has essentially been retired as an artist in recent years, releasing only a few collaborative singles since her last full album in 2016.—
Andrew Dalton,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Past winners Will Power and Josef Newgarden moved into the top two positions after Rosenqvist pitted, but the Swede regained the lead when Newgarden pitted for the first time on Lap 37 and dropped back to 14th.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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When the Nissan dropped back, Mulligan signalled once more.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Murphy sorted through a few papers and pulled out a white sheet featuring a grid with boxes highlighted green, yellow or red.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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The man then allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired at officers, the highway patrol said.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fell back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fell%20back. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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