drop back

verb

dropped back; dropping back; drops back
Synonyms of drop backnext

intransitive verb

1
2
: to move straight back from the line of scrimmage
the quarterback drops back to pass

Examples of drop back in a Sentence

a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Bonitto, though, explained that Denver already played Elliss at ILB on several third-down packages last year, and lauded his ability to drop back in coverage. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 Once the clearance dropped back toward the edge of the area, however, his focus immediately shifted from defending the cross to protecting the goal. Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 10 May 2026 When opening an app, the CPU would spike to 96% before dropping back to more pedestrian 17% usage after a couple of seconds. Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026 On Mother’s Day, temperatures drop back to around 70 degrees, with mostly sunny skies. Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop back was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20back. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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