as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
she hung back in offering her opinion about her daughter's career choices because it wasn't her business
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Recent Examples of hang back
Most bystanders hung back, but Pittenger’s sister took action.
—
Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Felicia Coleman hung back in the throng of family members gathered in front of the microphones, wiping away tears.
—Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
The strategy that King decided on at the last minute was to hang back, lobbing softballs to create long volleys that would tire Riggs out.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
In episode six, Max and Holly find the memory that Henry has been hiding from, and while Max kind of ignores it, Holly hangs back and watches how Henry is affected by having killed that man.
—Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Felicia Coleman hung back in the throng of family members gathered in front of the microphones, wiping away tears.
—Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
The strategy that King decided on at the last minute was to hang back, lobbing softballs to create long volleys that would tire Riggs out.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
In episode six, Max and Holly find the memory that Henry has been hiding from, and while Max kind of ignores it, Holly hangs back and watches how Henry is affected by having killed that man.
—Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang back
Verb
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Mazzulla, who’s trumpeted the Celtics depth at every turn this season, shouldn’t hesitate to use it if his starters stumble on Saturday.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
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That level of detail can make even cautious people hesitate.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Sheehan responded by turning in his best performance of the season, but the bullpen faltered in the Dodgers’ 6-4 loss to the red-hot Cubs, who won their 10th in a row.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
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And the pitching and defense had faltered in key situations.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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