fallback

1 of 2

noun

fall·​back ˈfȯl-ˌbak How to pronounce fallback (audio)
Synonyms of fallbacknext
1
: something on which one can fall back : reserve
—often used attributively
a fallback career
a fallback position
2
: a falling back : retreat
3
: something that falls back
the fallback from an explosion

fall back

2 of 2

verb

fell back; fallen back; falling back; falls back

intransitive verb

: retreat, recede
see also:
fall back on

Synonyms of fallback

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Verb

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Examples of fallback in a Sentence

Verb resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall 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.
Noun
The satellite fallback could ease a very real worry for anyone taking their companion beyond the reach of cell towers. — New Atlas, 26 July 2026 If Democrats block a stopgap bill, Thune will face plenty of problems with his fallback approach of passing a party-line spending bill to fund some of the government this fall. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 23 July 2026
Verb
This has led many organizations to fall back on philanthropic funding sources as a stopgap, intensifying competition for those opportunities. — Felicia Cumings Smith, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 SpaceX spiked to $225 within days of the IPO, then fell back to $160. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fallback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fallback was in 1607

Rhymes for fallback

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Browse Nearby Words

fall away
fallback
fall back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fallback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallback. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fall back

verb
: retreat entry 2 sense 1
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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